F-gas Restrictions

Last reviewed: [April 2026]. F-gas regulations are subject to change. Contact Fraser Technologies for the most current compliance guidance.

Restricted use of F-gas (fluorinated gases)

Be aware of the regulations

UK position (current): The UK operates the retained version of EU Regulation 517/2014 under UK REACH, administered by the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive. This requires an 80% reduction in F-gas use by 2030 compared with 2014 levels and sets mandatory leak-check, record-keeping and recovery obligations for operators of equipment containing F-gases above defined thresholds.

EU position (for reference): The EU updated its F-gas regulation in 2024. Regulation (EU) 2024/573, adopted on 7 February 2024 and in force since 11 March 2024, replaces Regulation 517/2014 in EU member states and the EEA. It sets a steeper HFC phase-down targeting full phase-out by 2050, tightens leak-check thresholds and extends the quota system. UK businesses selling products or equipment into the EU must be aware of these requirements even though they do not apply domestically.

Although most commonly used in the refrigeration and cooling industries, F-gases are present in many old generation solvents used across a wide range of industries – and unfortunately many users don’t realise this, so they are inadvertently breaking the law.

F-gases have a very high GWP (Global Warming Potential) of up to 11,000 which equates to 11,000 kg of Co2 being released into the atmosphere (compared to new generation solvents eg, SF80 with has a GWP <2.5) The current legislation limits how much F-gas can be sold in Europe and bans the use of F-gas in new equipment where alternatives with a lower GWP are widely available. A range of mandatory checks and scheduled services have been introduced in an effort to control F-gas emissions, including safe recovery of the gases when the equipment is decommissioned.

In summary, leaking F-gas into the atmosphere is a criminal offence and steps must be taken to switch to safer, environmentally friendly solvents.

How Fraser Technologies can help

Our one-stop solution includes advice on the regulatory and technical challenges, full audit of your process and requirements, recommendations on most suitable equipment and chemistries, and supply of all equipment and chemistries.

We can also offer a range of after sales support packages.

Comply with F-gas regulations

According to the Fluorinated Greeenhouse Gases Regulations (EU Regulation 517/2014), the operators of any equipment using or containing F-gases must ensure the equipment is leak tested to specific standards. If a leak is detected, the equipment must be immediately removed from use and repaired, and then remedial checks are to be carried out within one month.

UK (retained Regulation 517/2014): Stationary equipment containing F-gases at 5 tonnes CO₂ equivalent or more requires regular leak checks, record-keeping and, where applicable, a fixed leak detection system. Equipment containing 50 tonnes CO₂e or more requires leak checks every six months; 500 tonnes CO₂e or more, every three months.

EU (Regulation 2024/573): The leak-check threshold has been tightened significantly. Equipment containing 5 tonnes CO₂e or more of F-gases is now subject to mandatory leak checks. Hermetically sealed equipment requires checks at 10 tonnes CO₂e or more. Record-keeping obligations follow the same thresholds.

Examples of records required for stationery equipment include:

the type and quantity of F-gases used
details of any services carried out on the equipment
details of every leak test conducted on the system

Also all equipment must be labelled with the type and quantity of F-gas contained within.

Identifying which solvents contain F-gas should be fairly straightforward – the drum should by law show the presence of any F-gas within. Additionally the Material Safety Data Sheets should be the latest versions for all solvents used, and any F-gases should be clearly listed.

What are the alternatives to F-gases?

Aqueous cleaning comes in many forms – from a bucket and brush through to fully automated process cleaning.

A new generation of solvent cleaning fluids are just as effective as those containing F-gases. In most cases, they also make cleaning processes more efficient and more cost-effective, as well as minimising environmental impact. The Opteon™ range from Chemours™ were specifically developed to be safe for users and for the environment. Opteon™ SF80®, which is the newest product in the range and has an ultra low GWP of less than 2.5, is a non-flammable, fast drying cleaning solvent that works well as a replacement for hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons as well as high GWP HFE’s currently noted in annex 2 of F-gas regulations. It is well-suited for vapour degreasing, precision cleaning and the removal of greases and oils; and to clean a variety of soils from mechanical components, electronics, optics, and military hardware. These solvents are also increasingly replacing commonly used heat transfer fluids.

With availability of F-gases set to decline while costs escalate, businesses currently using F-gases in their equipment, and in particular those using old generation solvents containing F-gases for industrial applications, must look to the future and to the alternatives.

New generation of cleaning solvents have significantly lower CO2 emissions than those containing F-gas.

In the UK, F-gas use is scheduled to be reduced by 80% over the 15 years to 2030 compared with 2014 levels and sets mandatory leak-check, record-keeping and recovery obligations for operators of equipment containing F-gases above defined thresholds.