REFCOM Certification UK: Complete Guide for Refrigerant Engineers and Companies
REFCOM (Register of Companies Competent to Work with Refrigerants) is the UK’s leading F-Gas company certification scheme. If your business purchases or handles fluorinated refrigerant gases commercially in the UK, REFCOM registration is the standard route to demonstrating F-Gas compliance. This guide explains what REFCOM is, who needs it, how to get certified, and how it relates to individual F-Gas qualifications.
What Is REFCOM?
REFCOM is a certification body approved under the UK F-Gas Regulation (GB SI 2022 No. 1013). Companies registered with REFCOM are certified to purchase, handle, install, service and recover fluorinated refrigerant gases. The scheme is operated by FETA (Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump industry association) and is recognised by the Environment Agency as a valid F-Gas certification route.
Who Needs REFCOM Certification?
Any UK company that:
- Purchases fluorinated refrigerant gases (F-Gases) for commercial use
- Installs, services, maintains or repairs refrigerant-containing equipment
- Recovers refrigerant from systems during decommissioning
Individual engineers also need personal F-Gas qualification (City & Guilds 2079 or equivalent). REFCOM is the company-level layer on top of individual certification.
How to Get REFCOM Certified: Step by Step
- Individual F-Gas qualifications: Ensure all relevant engineers hold a valid F-Gas qualification (City & Guilds 2079 Level 2 Category I or II, or equivalent ACS assessment units)
- Compliant equipment: Confirm you have certified refrigerant recovery equipment for the types of refrigerant you handle
- Apply to REFCOM: Submit company application at refcom.org.uk with evidence of staff qualifications and equipment list
- Pay registration fee: Annual fee based on company size
- Receive REFCOM number: Your REFCOM registration number is required when purchasing refrigerant from compliant UK suppliers
REFCOM vs Other UK F-Gas Certification Routes
REFCOM is the most widely used UK company F-Gas scheme but is not the only one. Other approved certification bodies include ACRIB, HVACR Industry Board, and SHECCO. All approved schemes satisfy the same legal requirement — use whichever your trade association recommends or your refrigerant supplier accepts.
REFCOM-certified and need to order refrigerant? Buy from Refrigerant Gas Supplies Ltd — UK F-Gas compliant supplier. R32, R410A, R404A and more, next-day UK delivery. REFCOM number required at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is REFCOM and why does it matter for UK refrigerant engineers?
REFCOM is the UK’s leading company-level F-Gas certification scheme. Registration satisfies the legal requirement for companies to be certified before purchasing or handling F-Gas refrigerants. Widely recognised and accepted by UK suppliers and the Environment Agency.
How do I get REFCOM certified in the UK?
Ensure all engineers hold individual F-Gas qualifications (City & Guilds 2079 or equivalent), confirm you have certified recovery equipment, then apply at refcom.org.uk. Annual fee applies. Renewal required each year.
Is REFCOM the same as F-Gas certification?
No. Individual F-Gas qualification covers the engineer. REFCOM covers the company. Both are typically required: individual certification to work on systems, REFCOM registration to purchase refrigerant gas from compliant UK suppliers.