The F-Gas Regulation is the main law controlling fluorinated greenhouse gases in the UK. It drives the move to lower-GWP refrigerants through a tightening phase-down, and every refrigeration and air-conditioning professional needs to understand it.
What the F-Gas Regulation does
- Phases down the supply of high-GWP HFCs via a quota system measured in CO2-equivalent
- Requires qualified personnel and certified companies to handle F-Gases
- Mandates leak checks, record keeping and proper recovery
- Bans certain high-GWP gases in specific new equipment
The phase-down effect
As the quota shrinks, high-GWP refrigerants like R404A and R410A become scarcer and more expensive, pushing the industry towards low-GWP and natural alternatives. Planning ahead avoids being caught out by price spikes and availability issues.
What you should do
Keep your F-Gas certification current, design new systems around low-GWP refrigerants, recover and reclaim gas wherever possible, and maintain accurate records. Staying ahead of the phase-down protects your business and your customers.
FAQ
Does the UK still follow F-Gas rules after Brexit? Yes — the UK retained its own F-Gas Regulation, which continues the phase-down.
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