Bans on F gas in new products and equipment: current and future
Summary
The Environment Agency has updated guidance on current and future bans on fluorinated gases (F gases) in new products and equipment in Great Britain. The notice sets out prohibited uses, enforcement consequences, reporting routes for banned items, and the process for seeking exemptions, including for certain air conditioning and heat pump systems, insulation foam, aerosols and refrigeration uses.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter F gas-related issues in building services, plant rooms, refurbishment works and compliance checks, particularly where cooling, refrigeration or insulation products are involved. The guidance also has implications for specification, replacement and enforcement risk on projects using equipment that may be subject to current or future bans.
Key points
- Products or equipment containing banned F gases must not be placed on the market in Great Britain.
- Civil penalties may apply for breaches, and banned items for sale should be reported to the Environment Agency.
- The guidance covers bans and exemptions for air conditioning, heat pumps, refrigeration, insulating foam and aerosols.
- Trifluoromethane by-products must be recovered or destroyed in relevant manufacturing and import processes.
- Exemptions can be requested, but the process may take at least 12 months and granted exemptions last up to 4 years.
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