F-GAS Regulation

The new Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-Gases) repeals and replaces the previous Regulation (EU) 517/2014.

Who are the “operators”? “Operator” means the undertaking which exercises effective control over the technical functioning of the products, equipment or installations covered by this Regulation or the owner, where the Member State considers him responsible for the obligations of the operator in specific circumstances. Therefore: the owner or other natural or legal person who exercises effective control over the technical functioning of the products and equipment.

Which equipment is involved? The equipment covered by the regulation is as follows:

• stationary refrigeration equipment;

• stationary air-conditioning equipment;

• stationary heat pumps;

• stationary fire protection equipment;

• refrigeration units of refrigerated trucks and trailers;

• electrical switchgear.

What are the obligations for operators? First of all, it is important to clarify that the company or entity acting as the “operator” of equipment containing F-Gases is not required to register in the Registry or be certified. What they must certainly do is the following: for the operations of installation, maintenance, repair, service and decommissioning of equipment containing F-Gases, as well as for leak checking and recovery of the F-Gases contained therein, operators are obliged to:

• use their own personnel registered in the registry and in possession of a certificate or

• contact certified persons or companies.

ATTENTION! It is therefore the operator’s responsibility to verify that the operations have been entrusted to appropriate subjects and to verify that the operations have been completed (leak checks, recordings)!

Activities for which a license is NOT required: – RESALE OF F-GAS TO THIRD PARTIES – FIRST CHARGE SYSTEMS (MANUFACTURER/PRODUCER/OEM) – EXPORTER OF F-GAS OUTSIDE THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

Refrigerant Gas Market Update 2026

In recent years, with the consolidation of the new Regulation (EU) 2024/573, we have been witnessing a progressive and marked increase in the prices of HFC gases and certain HFO blends.

This dynamic is caused by the drastic reduction of GWP (Global Warming Potential) quotas imposed by the European Commission and the strategic choice of several manufacturers to limit the placement of HFCs on the European market. This scenario is significantly reducing product availability, leading to an inevitable rise in price lists.

The gases most affected by these restrictions are those with high GWP values, including: R410A, R407C, R134a, and others.

Our company is constantly committed to monitoring the market to guarantee competitive prices and ensure, as far as possible, the continuity of standard supply to our customers.

What has changed compared to the original text:

• Year: “2023” has been replaced with a more current reference, as the significant “cut” in quotas effectively began with the new 2024 regulation.

• Regulation: The generic reference to “manufacturers’ decisions” has been removed to make it more institutional (focusing on the reduction of GWP quotas).

• Style: The language has been adapted for a professional e-commerce site (e.g., using “product availability” instead of “less product”).