Source: European Parliament
Regulation (EU) 2024/573[1] on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases), contains a few restrictions covering all F-gases, i.e. including hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).
Such restrictions were only introduced for applications for which alternatives are available and the restrictions have a long transition period, allowing the industry sufficient time to adjust. The Impact Assessment covered such alternatives.
Some F-gases are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are chemicals which are very persistent and potentially have negative effects on health and the environment.
Recital (7) of the regulation includes a reference to the full F-gas prohibitions in line with the precautionary principle, to ensure that alternatives which are less harmful for health, the environment and the climate would be used.
The F-gas Regulation delivers high ambition, while respecting the EU’s international obligations. The Commission is in regular contact with third countries to clarify this, both in the World Trade Organisation and through bilateral contacts.
The Commission intends to carry out the review of the F-gas Regulation by 2030, in line with the requirements of that regulation.
As required in Article 35(5)(a) of the regulation, the Commission will in that review evaluate whether cost-effective, technically feasible, energy-efficient, sufficiently available and reliable alternatives exist, which make the replacement of fluorinated greenhouse gases possible in the products and equipment listed in Annex IV covered by prohibitions that have not yet become applicable at the time of the evaluation, especially products and equipment subject to full fluorinated greenhouse gas prohibitions, including ‘split’ air conditioners and heat pumps.
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/573/oj/eng