F-Gas Regulation (EU 517/2014): Drives the phasedown of high-GWP HFCs, promoting HFOs as alternatives.

Kigali Amendment: Integrated into EU law, mandating a 79% HFC phasedown by 2030.

CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008): Classifies HFOs by hazard (e.g., flammability).

Ecodesign Directive: Sets energy efficiency standards for HFO-based equipment.

a. HFC Phasedown & Quotas

• HFC Quotas: Companies must reduce HFC sales using annual quotas (phasedown to 21% of 2015 levels by 2030).

• HFO Exemptions: HFOs with GWP < 53 (e.g., HFO-1234yf, GWP = 1) are exempt from quotas.

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b. Sector-Specific Bans

• Refrigeration:

  • Ban on HFCs with GWP ≥ 2500 in commercial refrigeration (2020).

  • Ban on HFCs with GWP ≥ 150 in new plug-in equipment (2022).

• Air Conditioning:

  • Split AC systems must use refrigerants with GWP < 750 by 2025.

• Foam Blowing:

  • Ban on HFCs with GWP ≥ 150 in new products (2023).

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c. Approved HFO Uses

• HFO-1234yf: Approved for automotive AC (EU Directive 2006/40/EC), refrigeration.

• HFO-1234ze: Used in foam blowing, aerosols, and heat pumps.

• HFO-1336mzz: Approved for industrial applications

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d. Safety & Labeling

• CLP Classification: Most HFOs classified as A2L (mildly flammable).

  • Requires leak detection systems and safety training (EN 378 standard).

• F-Gas Labels: Products must display GWP, refrigerant type, and flammability warnings.

• ADR Transport Rules: HFOs shipped as UN 3163 (liquefied gas, flammable).

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e. Member State Rules

• Germany: Stricter flammability codes (e.g., DVGW G 600 for refrigeration).

• Nordic Countries: Incentives for HFO-based heat pumps.

• F-Gas Portal Registration: Companies must register in the EU F-Gas Portal and report HFC/HFO transactions.

• Use Certified Personnel: Technicians handling HFOs require F-Gas Certification (Category I, II, or III).

• Maintain Leak Checks: Mandatory leak inspections for systems with ≥500 tons CO₂-equivalent (e.g., HFO-1234yf: ~3 kg charge).

• Label Products: Include GWP, safety data, and QR codes linking to compliance documents.

• Report Annually: Submit HFO imports, exports, and emissions to national authorities (e.g., UK EA, German UBA).

• 2024 F-Gas Review: Proposes stricter phasedown (95% HFC cut by 2030) and expanded bans on high-GWP blends.

• MAC Directive Update: Bans refrigerants with GWP ≥ 150 in new vehicles from 2025.

• Ecodesign 2023: Requires HFO-based heat pumps to meet Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ≥ 3.5.

• Fines: Up to €200,000 per violation (e.g., Germany, France).

• Product Bans: Non-compliant equipment removed from the EU market.

• License Revocation: Loss of F-Gas handling certifications for repeated breaches.