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The F-Gas Regulation (2006/842) and the MAC Directive (2006/40) were published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 14 June 2006. Their objectives are to contain, prevent and thereby reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases convered by the Kyoto Protocol.

The Regulation covers the use of HFCs, PFCs and SF6 in all their applications, except Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC), covered by the Directive, and Domestic Refrigerators, while the Directive covers MAC.

They entered into force on 4 July 2006 and a number of the measures apply from 4 July 2007.

NEW:  HCFC requirements according to the recast EU Ozone Regulation 1005/2009

The recast EC Ozone Regulation (EU 1005/2009) comes into force on 1st January 2010.

The new Regulation slightly changes the rules for continuing use of recycled or reclaimed HCFCs in RAC systems, such as the need to:

•  Keep records for systems containing 3 kg or more of HCFCs;

•  Label stationary refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment to which reclaimed or recycled HCFCs have been added;

•  Record the details about the undertaking who are the source of recycled HCFCs and who have supplied reclaimed HCFCs;

The new legislation includes further obligations on the operators of HCFC systems. These are broadly similar to the requirements of the F Gas Regulation and include the following points:

•  Take all precautionary measures practicable to prevent and minimise any leakages and emissions of controlled substances.

•  Leak Testing - undertakings operating RAC systems with an HCFC charge of:

3 kg or more are checked for leakage at least once every 12 months; this shall not apply to equipment with hermetically sealed systems, which are labelled as such and contain less than 6 kg of HCFC;

30 kg or more are checked for leakage at least once every six months;

300 kg or more are checked for leakage at least once every three months;

and that any detected leakage is repaired as soon as possible and in any event within 14 days.

The equipment or system shall be checked for leakage within one month after a leak has been repaired to ensure that the repair has been effective.

•   Keep records on the quantity and type of HCFC added and recovered during servicing, maintenance and final disposal of the equipment, of the identification of the company or technician who performed the servicing or maintenance, as well as of the dates and results of the leakage checks carried out.