Great Britain’s environmental regulators have issued an August 2026 update on the ban covering single split air-conditioning systems containing less than 3 kg (6.6 lb) of fluorinated greenhouse gases with a global warming potential (GWP) of 750 or more. Under UK legislation, affected systems have been prohibited from being placed on the Great Britain market since 1 January 2025. Common refrigerants covered by the ban include R-407C and R-410A.
The rules define single split air-conditioning systems as room air-conditioning systems consisting of one outdoor unit and one indoor unit connected by refrigerant piping and requiring installation at the point of use. The prohibition covers stationary systems that process or treat air to meet the requirements of a conditioned space by controlling temperature, humidity, cleanliness or distribution.
The prohibition does not apply to stationary single split systems used solely to cool products, which are considered refrigeration equipment. Air-to-water single split air-conditioning systems and single split air-conditioning systems fitted to maritime craft are also excluded. The guidance states that this interpretation is aligned with the EU interpretation of the legislation.
Products covered by the prohibition may still be sold by retailers or resellers after 1 January 2025 if they were released for free circulation in Great Britain before that date. Businesses must be able to demonstrate that such goods were placed on the Great Britain market before 1 January 2025.
UK legislation is phasing down the amount of new HFCs entering the Great Britain market, targeting a 79% reduction by 2030. The guidance states that non-compliance with the 2025 ban can lead to enforcement action. Regulators in England and Scotland can issue civil penalties of up to £200,000 [approx. $270,000], while enforcement notices and possible fines can also apply in Wales for breaches of F-gas provisions.
The main enforcing authorities identified in the guidance are the Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Government and Welsh local authorities. Businesses unsure whether a product falls within the prohibition are advised to contact the Environment Agency and check the product category and HFC used with the manufacturer or supplier.
