Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-Gases)

European Commission Reply on Petition 1162/2025 Clarifies How Regulation (EU) 2024/573 Training Aligns With EU OSH Law

In March 2026, the European Parliament’s PETI Committee published a notice on Petition 1162/2025 and the European Commission’s reply, concluding that Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases and its implementing acts already embed safety content in technician training while leaving EU OSH directives fully applicable. For refrigeration and HVAC operators, this confirms that F‑gas and natural‑refrigerant certification schemes complement rather than replace employers’ risk‑based OSH training duties, reinforcing the need to manage both environmental compliance and workplace‑safety obligations in parallel.

10 Apr 2026, 12:35europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Norway Publishes 2026 Special Tax Rates Including CO2 and Fluorinated Gas Taxes

Norway has finalized its 2026 special tax rates, implementing significant 16-17% increases for CO2 and fluorinated greenhouse gases (HFCs, PFCs, SF6). This sharp escalation in carbon and F-gas pricing signals a continued shift toward higher fiscal penalties for high-GWP substances and fossil fuel consumption.

9 Apr 2026, 17:47regjeringen.noNorway

US EPA Issues Supplemental SNAP Proposal on HFO-1234yf Retrofits in Heavy-Duty Vehicle Air Conditioning

The US EPA is expanding the SNAP program to permit HFO-1234yf as a retrofit refrigerant for heavy-duty pickup trucks and complete vans, with comments due by May 2026. This move facilitates the transition to lower-GWP alternatives in commercial fleets while mandating specific hardware and labeling compliance to mitigate flammability risks during servicing.

6 Apr 2026, 19:41federalregister.govUnited States

Germany (UBA) F-Gas Study Identifies SF6 Emission Hotspot and First NF3 Monitoring

Germany's Environment Agency (UBA) has published a study identifying significant SF6 emission hotspots and establishing the first continuous monitoring for NF3. This enhanced atmospheric tracking signals a shift toward more rigorous enforcement of F-gas regulations and likely future restrictions for NF3, particularly in the semiconductor and electronics sectors.

5 Apr 2026, 19:31umweltbundesamt.deGermany

Germany Adopts Fifth Act Amending Chemicals Act To Implement EU F-Gas and Ozone Regulations

Germany has implemented the Fifth Act Amending the Chemicals Act, effective April 2, 2026, to enforce the latest EU F-gas and ozone-depleting substances regulations. Manufacturers and importers face stricter documentation mandates for pre-filled equipment and significantly expanded enforcement risks, including potential three-year market bans for serious non-compliance.

4 Apr 2026, 11:50recht.bund.deGermany

US Commerce Issues Final Antidumping Duty Review Results for 1,1,1,2‑Tetrafluoroethane (R‑134a) From China (2023–2024)

The US Department of Commerce has finalized antidumping duty review results for R-134a imports from China, confirming significant dumping margins of up to 173.90% effective April 2026. Businesses must adjust financial planning for high cash deposit requirements and ensure rigorous duty reimbursement certifications to mitigate substantial trade-related cost risks.

4 Apr 2026, 11:49federalregister.govUnited States

Great Britain Environment Agency Updates F-Gas and Ozone-Depleting Substances Charging Scheme

The UK Environment Agency has updated statutory charges for F-gases and ozone-depleting substances, effective April 2025, with annual CPI-linked increases starting April 2026. Businesses operating in Great Britain must budget for rising compliance costs for registrations, declarations, and subsistence fees as the regulator moves toward a full cost-recovery model.

4 Apr 2026, 11:03gov.ukUnited Kingdom

England Updates Charges For International Waste Shipment Notifications

England's Environment Agency has updated international waste shipment notification charges, effective April 1, 2026, introducing annual CPI-linked adjustments. Businesses must account for rising operational costs for hazardous and complex waste exports, particularly those containing restricted substances like mercury or F-gases.

4 Apr 2026, 11:02gov.ukUnited Kingdom

EU Committee On Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases To Consider Draft Implementing Decision On HFC Reference Values For 2027–2029

The EU Committee on Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases will meet on 21 April 2026 to vote on a draft Implementing Decision setting HFC reference values for the 2027–2029 period. Producers and importers must prepare for updated market access quotas based on their 2022–2024 placement data, signaling tighter supply constraints under the revised F-gas Regulation.

1 Apr 2026, 14:55ec.europa.euEuropean Union

California Energy Commission Files CEQA Notice of Exemption for Propane-Based Ultra-Low GWP Heat Pump Demonstration

The California Energy Commission has exempted a pilot project for propane-based, ultra-low GWP heat pumps from environmental review, accelerating field testing in residential buildings. This signals California's intent to transition residential HVAC toward natural refrigerants, potentially influencing future building codes and phase-outs of traditional fluorinated gases.

29 Mar 2026, 18:34ceqanet.lci.ca.govUnited States

California Senate Amends SB 1010 Refrigerant Stewardship And Recovery Act For Household Appliances

California is advancing SB 1010, which mandates an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for household appliances containing refrigerants starting in 2028. Manufacturers must prepare for eco-modulated fees and end-of-life management plans that address PFAS and Proposition 65 chemicals to maintain market access.

28 Mar 2026, 16:18leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

Minnesota Senate Introduces Greenhouse Gas Pollution Superfund Act (SF 4886)

Minnesota introduced the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Superfund Act (SF 4886) to impose strict liability on major fossil fuel companies for historic greenhouse gas emissions. This "polluter pays" legislation creates substantial financial exposure for large energy producers and establishes a precedent for state-level recovery of climate adaptation costs.

27 Mar 2026, 20:51revisor.mn.govUnited States

Japan Issues Ministerial Ordinance Revising Enforcement Rules Under Ozone Layer Protection Act

Japan has modernized reporting procedures under the Ozone Layer Protection Act, effective April 1, 2026, by removing the option for optical disc submissions. This shift necessitates a transition to digital filing channels for ODS and F-gas compliance, reflecting Japan's broader push toward administrative digitalization.

27 Mar 2026, 16:19kanpo.go.jpJapan

Montreal Protocol Parties Publish Provisional Agenda for Sixth Extraordinary Meeting (ExMOP6)

The UN has released the provisional agenda for the Sixth Extraordinary Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (ExMOP6), scheduled for July 2026. This meeting signals potential high-priority adjustments to the control of ozone-depleting substances and F-gases, requiring proactive monitoring of upcoming global compliance shifts.

26 Mar 2026, 19:20docs.un.orgGlobal

Global Study Reconstructs 50-Year PFAS Deposition and Long-Range Transport to East Antarctica

A new 50-year study in East Antarctica confirms the long-range transport and accumulation of both legacy PFAS and newer alternatives, including a significant rise in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) from F-gas replacements. This evidence of persistent global contamination reinforces the scientific basis for broader "forever chemical" restrictions and highlights the growing regulatory scrutiny on short-chain PFAS and F-gas degradation products.

25 Mar 2026, 21:34science.orgGlobal

UNECE Publishes Draft 2025 Annual Report of Sustainable Transport Division (ECE/TRANS/2026/11)

UNECE has released its 2025 Sustainable Transport report, consolidating major updates to dangerous goods transport (ADR/RID/ADN), GHS alignment, and vehicle safety standards. Businesses should prepare for harmonized global standards on battery transport, low-GWP refrigerants, and digital consignment notes, signaling a shift toward decarbonized and automated logistics.

Washington Department of Ecology Imposes Over $1.1 Million in Penalties Against Amazon and Walmart for Illegal Sales of R-134a Refrigerant

Washington state has penalized major retailers over $1.1 million for the illegal sale of R-134a refrigerants, marking a significant escalation in HFC phase-out enforcement. Businesses must ensure robust geographic sales controls for climate-polluting products as regulators move from industry notification to high-value financial penalties.

22 Mar 2026, 10:51ecology.wa.govUnited States

GB Adopts Ecodesign and Energy Information Requirements for Household Tumble Dryers

The UK has enacted new ecodesign and energy labelling regulations for household tumble dryers in Great Britain, with requirements phasing in from April 2026. Businesses must align with stricter energy efficiency standards, mandatory "right to repair" obligations for spare parts and disassembly, and updated GB-specific energy labelling for all sales channels.

22 Mar 2026, 10:42legislation.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

US Commerce Issues Final Results of 2023 Countervailing Duty Review on Pentafluoroethane (R-125) From China

The US Department of Commerce finalized 2023 countervailing duty rates for Chinese R-125 imports, setting new subsidy margins for major producers effective March 20, 2026. Importers must adjust financial planning for revised cash deposit requirements and potential retroactive duty assessments on fluorinated gas shipments.

21 Mar 2026, 19:11federalregister.govUnited StatesChina

Japan Ministry of the Environment Schedules 1st Joint Meeting on Fluorocarbon Countermeasures

Japan has launched a formal five-year review of the Fluorocarbons Act, convening joint ministerial committees to evaluate the effectiveness of current emission controls. This process signals potential tightening of F-gas management and recovery requirements, likely leading to stricter operational and reporting obligations for equipment manufacturers and users.

21 Mar 2026, 18:51env.go.jpJapan