EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573
Purpose and Regulations
Regulation (EU) 2024/573 governs the placing on the market of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) in the EU and initiates the phase-down of HFCs. The goal is to drastically reduce refrigerants with a high global warming potential (GWP) to zero by 2050, with certain bans taking effect earlier depending on the application.
The system combines quota regulations for HFC production and import with application-specific bans in accordance with Annex IV. This annex, in particular, must be taken into account when planning the development and installation of new equipment.
| Aspect | Regulation |
| Quota system | Annual reductions in EU quotas for HFC production and imports; quotas are tradable but must be accounted for |
| Prohibitions | Annex IV defines application-specific phase-out periods for new equipment |
| Existing facilities | Equipment placed on the market before the deadlines may continue to be operated, maintained, and repaired |
| Repairs starting in 2032 | Only recycled/reclaimed refrigerant within the prohibited limits is permitted |
| Refrigerant | GWP | Safety class | State |
| R134a | 1430 | A1 | Heavily regulated, increasingly scarce |
| R449A | 1397 | A1 | Interim solution with a high GWP |
| R513A | 631 | A1 | A modern alternative to R134a |
| R290 | 3 | A3 | Future-proof standard |
R290 as the future standard
Van der Heijden Labortechnik GmbH consistently uses R290 as the standard refrigerant for new systems and new developments:
- GWP = 3 – already meets all future requirements
- ODP = 0 – no ozone-depleting potential
- Future-proof – no regulatory restrictions in sight
Application – suitable for new installations in safety class A3
Comparison of the Carbon Footprints of R290 and R134a
This comparison applies to two technically similar units manufactured by Van der Heijden Labortechnik GmbH with comparable refrigerant charges. It is not a general comparison of all systems, but rather a specific example calculation for products from the same manufacturer.
The data shows:
- R290 system: 0.00024–0.000297 t CO₂ per unit
- R134a system: ~0.715 t CO₂ per unit
R290 significantly reduces refrigerant-related emissions.
For a customized comparison of your plant inventory or a specific chiller, please contact your representative at Van der Heijden Labortechnik.
Tasks
- Create a system inventory (refrigerant type, charge quantity, year of manufacture, location)
- Review the refrigerant portfolio for GWP and availability
- Establish leak management (interval-based inspections)
- Conduct a risk assessment for all refrigerants
- Develop a conversion plan to natural refrigerants
- Use certified personnel and specialized contractors
- Maintain complete technical documentation
Further Information:
Complete information document on the F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, including detailed deadlines, exemptions, and an overview of Annex IV:
KD 12-01-01 Information on Regulation (EU) 2024-573 (PDF)
More helpful links:
Regulation (EU) 2024/573
Corrigendum to Regulation (EU) 2024/573 of February 7, 2024
Chemicals and Climate Protection Regulation
Federal-State Working Group on Chemical Safety (BLAC)
Chemical Substances Act
Exemptions
Documentation - F-gas Legislation - Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases – Climate Action
Section 9: Placing on the Market and Use | Federal Environment Agency
Certification
Section 4: Certification | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency