20 February 2024 represents a significant date for European environmental legislation. The new EU Regulation 2024/573 was published, replacing the previous EU Regulation No. 517/2014 and introducing substantial changes as of 11 March 2024.
The main new features include:
Stricter rules for the management, use, recovery and destruction of fluorinated greenhouse gases. These measures also include:
Extended producer responsibility schemes.
Mandatory training for the safe use of these substances.
Strict restrictions on the production, import, export and use of fluorinated gases, with specific quantitative limits for hydrofluorocarbons.
New certification requirements for people and companies involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of equipment containing fluorinated gases.
Key regulatory updates:
Periodic leak check obligations: Applicable to a wide range of equipment, including refrigerated vehicles and air-conditioning units.
Mandatory financing for the recovery, recycling and destruction of F-gases from equipment, with a deadline set for 31 December 2027.
Extension of registration and certification obligations: These apply to all companies that handle fluorinated gases.
Use bans in force:
From 1 January 2025: The use of F-gases with a GWP (Global Warming Potential) equal to or greater than 2500 for the maintenance of refrigeration equipment is prohibited.
From 1 January 2026: The ban is extended to F-gases with a GWP equal to or greater than 2500 also for air-conditioning equipment and heat pumps.
From 1 January 2032: The use of F-gases with a GWP equal to or greater than 750 for the maintenance of fixed refrigeration equipment is prohibited, with the exception of chillers.
These changes aim to encourage the adoption of more sustainable alternatives, helping to reduce the environmental impact of fluorinated greenhouse gases.
