Regulation (EU) 2024/573 restricts the placing on the market of certain equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases and progressively reduces HFC supply. The applicable rule depends on the equipment category, GWP, date and any safety exception.
In short: identify the exact category in Annex IV before claiming that equipment is “F-gas compliant”. A slogan without the model, refrigerant and relevant date is not enough.
What changed in practice?
From 1 January 2025, the Regulation includes a prohibition on placing self-contained refrigeration equipment — except chillers — on the market when it contains F-gas with a GWP of 150 or more, subject to the safety exceptions written into the legislation. Other categories, including split equipment, have different thresholds and dates.
The Regulation also restricts the use of some high-GWP gases to service existing equipment. The dates and exceptions for reclaimed or recycled gas depend on the specific provision.
R-448A and R-449A have substantially lower GWP than older R-404A, but their GWP is still relatively high. They may have a role in particular equipment or retrofit projects, yet should not automatically be described as a future-proof choice for every new installation.
Why does the HFC phase-down matter?
EU quota rules reduce the total amount of HFCs placed on the market in CO₂-equivalent terms. A kilogram of high-GWP refrigerant consumes more of the quota than a kilogram of low-GWP gas. This affects long-term supply, price and equipment development even before a particular unit falls under a direct product ban.
Keep three questions separate
- Can the equipment be placed on the market? Check its category, GWP, date and exceptions in Annex IV.
- Can the existing system be serviced with this gas? Separate service restrictions and exceptions may apply.
- Is the solution safe at this site? Low GWP does not replace an assessment of flammability, toxicity, pressure and charge size.
These answers may differ. A system can remain legal to operate while being a poor new-build choice because of future service cost and refrigerant availability.
Checklist before selecting a refrigerant
- exact refrigerant designation and GWP;
- equipment category: self-contained, split, chiller or central plant;
- date the product is placed on the market;
- charge size and where the refrigerant circulates;
- flammability and toxicity classification;
- ventilation, detection and ignition-source requirements;
- availability of qualified service and spare parts;
- procedure for leaks, recovery and end-of-life handling.
Natural refrigerants also have safety constraints. R-290 is flammable, R-717 is toxic and mildly flammable, and R-744 operates at very high pressure. No refrigerant should be selected from GWP alone.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) 2024/573 — EUR-Lex
- European Commission: climate-friendly alternatives in refrigeration
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Confirm the equipment classification and current legal position with the supplier and a competent designer before selection.
