F-Gas phase-down: which refrigerant conversions operators should plan now - and by when
The EU F-Gas Regulation tightens quotas, service deadlines and GWP limits. We help operators stay compliant and future-ready, focusing on CO2 (R744), NH3 (R717) and propane (R290).
Phase-down: why it is felt now
The EU quota system reduces the amount of HFCs on the market. Less CO2-equivalent means tighter supply and higher prices, regardless of whether a system still runs.
- 2025-2026: 42,874,410 t CO2-eq
- 2027-2029: 21,665,691 t CO2-eq (nearly halved)
- 2030-2032: 9,132,097 t CO2-eq (another sharp drop)
- from 2050: 0 t CO2-eq (full phase-out via quotas)
Service deadlines by GWP - with examples
The regulation specifies which fluorinated refrigerants may still be used for maintenance and service.
- Since 01/01/2025: service ban for GWP >= 2,500 (e.g. R404A, R507A); reclaimed or recycled refrigerant only until 01/01/2030.
- From 01/01/2026: same ban for stationary air-conditioning and heat pump systems with GWP >= 2,500 (e.g. R404A/R507A in niche applications).
- From 01/01/2032: service restriction for GWP >= 750 in stationary refrigeration (excluding chillers), e.g. R134a, R407C, R410A; exceptions only for reclaimed or recycled refrigerant.
New installations: GWP limits and investment security
Beyond service, it matters what can still be placed on the market.
- From 01/01/2030: stationary refrigeration (excluding chillers) only <150 GWP; affected refrigerants include R404A, R134a, R410A, R407C.
- Since 01/01/2022: multipack centralized systems >= 40 kW in retail only <150 GWP; affected include R404A and R134a.
- From 01/01/2027: chillers with tiered limits (e.g. >12 kW GWP <= 750; <=12 kW GWP <= 150) - affected include R134a and R410A.
Operator duties to implement now
Leak tightness, documentation and recovery apply regardless of conversion plans.
- Leak checks from 5 t CO2-equivalent (fixed intervals by size class).
- Additional checks from 1 kg of certain fluorinated gases (Annex II, Group 1).
- Leak detection systems from 500 t CO2-equivalent.
- Records of refrigerants, refills, inspections and recovery for at least 5 years.
- Recovery at decommissioning; reuse only after recycling or reclamation.
Roadmap to 2032
Planning early prevents service, material and cost bottlenecks.
- Inventory: refrigerants in use, GWP, inspection intervals, documentation.
- Compliance actions: logbook, inspection routines, sourcing reclaimed or recycled refrigerant.
- Technical options: retrofit, new systems with natural refrigerants, efficiency package.
- Timeline: decisions by 2027, conversion of critical systems by 2029, strategy for GWP >= 750 by 2032 (e.g. R134a, R407C, R410A).
How IFRA supports you
We combine regulatory security with uptime and efficiency.
- System audits and operator duty checks (leak tightness, intervals, logbook, leak detection).
- Strategy for retrofit vs. replacement incl. GWP and availability risks.
- Planning natural refrigerants (CO2/R744, NH3/R717, R290) incl. safety and redundancy concept.
- Energy optimization, heat recovery and monitoring in existing systems.
- Service concepts with documented compliance evidence.
Official sources
- EU Regulation 2024/573 (F-Gases)
- UBA: leak checks & emission prevention
- UBA: phase-down & quota system
Note: Content is for orientation and does not replace legal advice.
Check your compliance
Need clarity on what the rules mean for your systems? We support conversions, documentation and compliance.