[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/EU F-Gas Regulation 2024/573 EUEnvironmentRegulation guide # EU F-Gas Regulation 2024/573 The revised EU F-Gas Regulation 2024/573 (replacing 517/2014) significantly tightens restrictions on fluorinated greenhouse gases in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump equipment — including electronics cooling systems. Hardware companies using HFCs or SF₆ in products or manufacturing must understand phasedown schedules, product bans, and labelling obligations. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Feu-f-gas-regulation) At a glance Regulation (EU) 2024/573 Replaces (EU) 517/2014 Applies to HFCs, HFOs, SF₆, PFCs HFC target ~2% by 2050 Enforced by National authorities ## Scope and products affected The F-Gas Regulation covers the placing on the market, use, and recovery of fluorinated greenhouse gases across a wide range of equipment categories. Hardware manufacturers must assess whether their products contain, or their manufacturing processes use, any regulated gas — even in very small quantities. ### Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Equipment with HFCs Commercial refrigerators, freezers, supermarket display cabinets, process chillers, server room precision air conditioning, and data centre cooling systems using hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants. Equipment charged with HFCs above GWP thresholds specified in Annex IV faces progressive placement bans. ### SF₆ in Electrical Switchgear and Electronics Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) is used as an insulating and arc-quenching medium in medium-voltage and high-voltage switchgear, and as a process gas in semiconductor manufacturing. The regulation imposes a ban on SF₆ in new switchgear from specified dates and restricts its use in other applications where alternatives are viable. ### Heat Pump Equipment Air-source and ground-source heat pumps containing HFC refrigerants are subject to phasedown and product-level GWP restrictions. New residential heat pumps using HFCs with GWP ≥ 750 face restrictions as lower-GWP alternatives — HFOs and propane R290 — become the mainstream choice for new installations. ### Products Subject to GWP Thresholds The regulation sets GWP-based thresholds for specific equipment categories. Products placed on the market must comply with maximum charge-weighted GWP requirements. This affects product design choices for sealed systems in electronics cooling and embedded refrigeration in laboratory and industrial equipment. ## Phasedown schedule and product bans The regulation uses two parallel mechanisms: a quota-based supply phasedown that progressively reduces the total volume of HFCs available in the EU market, and product-level placement bans that prohibit specific equipment categories containing high-GWP refrigerants from specified dates. 01 HFC phasedown trajectory: the EU HFC quota system (based on CO₂-equivalent tonnes) reduces HFC supply progressively — 45% of 2015 baseline by 2030, 15% by 2036, and approximately 2% by 2050, effectively eliminating high-GWP HFCs from the EU market over time. 02 Ban on new refrigeration equipment using HFCs with GWP ≥ 2500 in stationary applications with a charge of 40 tonnes CO₂-equivalent or more — this covers large commercial refrigeration systems using R404A and R507. 03 Ban on split air conditioning systems and heat pumps containing less than 3 kg of HFCs with GWP ≥ 750, from dates specified in Annex IV — pushing residential HVAC toward R32 (GWP 675) and natural refrigerants. 04 SF₆ prohibition in new gas-insulated switchgear where viable alternatives exist, with derogations for high-voltage applications (above 52 kV AC) until technical alternatives are demonstrated at scale. 05 Ban on HFCs in single-component aerosol propellants and non-refillable containers for servicing refrigeration and AC equipment — targeting leakage sources and enabling closed-loop refrigerant management. 06 Prohibition on fluorinated gases in certain foam blowing applications, fire protection systems, and solvent applications where alternatives have been demonstrated technically and economically feasible. ## Labelling and documentation requirements Labelling obligations apply to all equipment containing F-gases before placement on the EU market. These requirements are distinct from CE marking and must be met by the manufacturer or importer. Operators of installed equipment carry ongoing leakage checking and record-keeping obligations. 01 All refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump equipment containing F-gases must carry a label identifying the gas by its accepted designation (e.g. R134a, R410A), the quantity in kilograms, and the GWP of the refrigerant. 02 The CO₂-equivalent quantity must be stated on the label: calculated as (mass in kg × GWP of gas) / 1000. For blends, the GWP of the blend applies. This is mandatory for all hermetically sealed and non-sealed equipment containing F-gases. 03 Equipment containing HFCs with a GWP ≥ 150 used in stationary refrigeration, air conditioning, or heat pumps must undergo regular leakage checks at intervals proportional to charge size: ≥5 t CO₂e annually; ≥50 t CO₂e every 6 months; ≥500 t CO₂e every 3 months. 04 Operators of equipment subject to leakage checking obligations must maintain service records for each unit, including: F-gas type and quantity charged, any additions or recoveries, and the identity of the certified technician carrying out work. 05 Hermetically sealed systems with a CO₂e charge below 10 tonnes are exempt from periodic leakage checking but must still carry the mandatory label identifying gas type, quantity, and GWP. ## Alternatives and exemptions The commercial viability of alternatives to HFCs and SF₆ has improved substantially. Most new product designs should be specified with natural refrigerants or low-GWP alternatives from the outset — retrofitting refrigerant choice after the design phase is costly and may not be technically feasible in sealed systems. ### Natural Refrigerants Ammonia (R717, GWP=0), carbon dioxide (R744, GWP=1), and hydrocarbons (propane R290 GWP=3, isobutane R600a GWP=3) are established alternatives to HFCs. R290 is increasingly viable for split air conditioners and small commercial refrigeration despite its A3 flammability classification. R744 transcritical systems are standard in many European supermarket refrigeration installations. ### Low-GWP HFOs and HFO Blends Hydrofluoroolefins such as R1234yf (GWP=4) and R1234ze (GWP=7) are near-zero GWP alternatives to high-GWP HFCs. HFO blends like R448A and R449A offer GWPs of 1200–1400 as transitional alternatives for retrofit. Note: HFOs are under scrutiny for PFAS classification — manufacturers should monitor regulatory developments before specifying them in new products. ### Critical Use Exemptions The regulation provides exemptions where no technically and economically feasible alternative exists. Sectors may apply for time-limited derogations through their national competent authority. Military applications, certain industrial processes, and high-voltage electrical equipment may qualify. Derogations are time-limited and require periodic justification as alternatives mature. ### SF₆ Alternatives in Switchgear Clean Air (dry air/nitrogen mixtures), g3 gas (3M Novec), and vacuum interrupters are established alternatives to SF₆ in medium-voltage applications. For high-voltage (>52 kV) switchgear, complete elimination of SF₆ is technically constrained — derogations apply with mandatory leak rate requirements and mandatory recovery and destruction at end of life. ## Frequently asked questions ### Does F-Gas apply to small sealed cooling systems in electronics? Yes, but with some relief for very small charges. Hermetically sealed systems with less than 10 tonnes CO₂-equivalent of HFCs are exempt from periodic leakage checking obligations — but they remain subject to mandatory labelling and the general phasedown and product ban provisions. A small electronics cooling system using R134a (GWP 1430) would need a charge below approximately 7 kg to fall below 10 tonnes CO₂e. All equipment containing F-gases must use certified technicians for installation and servicing regardless of charge size. ### What is the SF₆ phase-out timeline for electrical switchgear? Regulation 2024/573 prohibits placing new gas-insulated switchgear using SF₆ on the EU market from 2030 for medium-voltage equipment (up to 52 kV) where viable alternatives exist, with some category-specific dates. For high-voltage equipment (above 52 kV), derogations apply until technical alternatives are demonstrated at scale. The regulation also tightens leak detection requirements and mandates SF₆ recovery at end of life using certified contractors. ### Are there exemptions for military or safety-critical equipment? Yes. The regulation includes specific exemptions for military equipment where use of alternatives would compromise operational capability or national security. Safety-critical applications — such as SF₆ in certain high-voltage protection systems — can qualify for critical use exemptions with documented justification submitted to the national authority. Exemptions are granted for defined periods and must be renewed. Commercial equipment cannot claim safety-critical status based solely on operational importance. ### How do F-Gas obligations interact with CE marking for refrigeration equipment? F-Gas compliance is a market access obligation separate from CE marking. CE marking for refrigeration equipment is governed by the Machinery Regulation, Pressure Equipment Directive, and Low Voltage Directive. F-Gas labelling is an additional obligation that must be met before placing equipment on the EU market — its absence does not void CE marking but constitutes a separate regulatory breach enforceable by market surveillance authorities. Declarations of conformity for refrigeration equipment should reference F-Gas compliance alongside the relevant CE marking directives. **Disclaimer:** This page is an educational resource only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. F-Gas obligations depend on your specific product configuration, refrigerant charges, and intended markets. Always consult qualified environmental compliance specialists and verify current Annex IV ban dates before finalising product design. 🇪🇺 CE Marking roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇪🇺 CE Marking compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. 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