The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed that it will not legislate in 2026 to change the HFC phasedown steps from 1 January 2027 in Great Britain. The decision follows an assessment of 137 consultation responses on proposed changes to the current HFC phasedown schedule.
For 2027, the relevant HFC phasedown step in Annex 5 of the F gas Regulation will continue to apply. Defra said further work is required on changes to the HFC phasedown and that the update is intended to give industry clarity ahead of 2027.
The consultation, published on 5 November 2025 and updated on 15 May 2026, sought views on amending the phasedown schedule for hydrofluorocarbons in Great Britain. It applied to England, Scotland and Wales and ran from 5 November 2025 to 17 December 2025.
HFCs are fluorinated gases with high global warming potential and are commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps. The proposed changes were intended to reduce the amount of HFCs that can be placed on the market in Great Britain beyond current legislative limits, supporting the UK’s climate goals, carbon budget commitments and obligations under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
Defra said it remains committed to introducing reform to the HFC phasedown and intends to publish a report summarising responses and outlining next steps later this year. The Institute of Refrigeration said it will continue to monitor developments related to the proposal and issue updates to members when available.
