On Friday 20 September, the European Commission adopted four implementing regulations to bring it into line with the new measures in Regulation (EU) 2024/573 (see EUROPE 13338/27) on fluorinated greenhouse gases, which came into force last March and provides for the elimination of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2050 with a gradual reduction in EU consumption quotas from 2024 to 2049, restrictions on products containing fluorinated gases and deadlines for their elimination in certain sectors.
From 1 January 2025, a new labelling format (https://aeur.eu/f/dj7 ) will be mandatory for containers and equipment containing fluorinated gases. This measure is part of a drive for greater transparency, facilitating the traceability and control of these substances.
In addition, a new annual reporting format, to be submitted via the F-gas portal (https://aeur.eu/f/dj8 ) - the Commission’s IT platform for managing the quota system for hydrofluorocarbons, issuing trade licences and facilitating reporting - is being introduced to report on activities involving these gases from March 2025, with data covering the year 2024.
New rules have been introduced for the certification of technicians working on refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment (https://aeur.eu/f/dj9 ).
These certifications are extended to equipment using alternatives to fluorinated gases, reflecting efforts to encourage the use of substances that are less harmful to the environment.
Finally, the Commission has strengthened the operation of the F-gas portal (https://aeur.eu/f/dj6 ), in particular by establishing precise criteria for company registration. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)