The European Commission has introduced new regulations to improve the labelling of products and equipment containing f-gases, with the goal of enhancing transparency, ensuring correct handling, and encouraging the use of recycled or reclaimed gases. Published on September 2, 2024, the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2174 outlines specific rules for applying Regulation (EU) 2024/573. The new rules will come into effect 20 days after publication but will not be enforced until January 1, 2025, replacing the previous Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2068.
This transition period allows manufacturers and suppliers time to adapt to the new labelling requirements, including the re-labelling of products already on the market.
F-gases are potent contributors to global warming, making accurate labelling essential for tracking and reducing emissions. The new regulations focus on the visibility, readability, and durability of labels, ensuring that key information remains legible throughout the product's life cycle. Labels must include details such as the presence of f-gases, the amount of gas (in kilograms or grams), and its CO2 equivalent emissions.
Products containing recycled or reclaimed f-gases will require additional labelling, including phrases like "100% Recycled" or "100% Reclaimed." Specific labels must also indicate if the gases are meant for destruction, direct export, or particular uses such as in military equipment or semiconductor production.
Special allowances are made for medical products, allowing information to be displayed on outer packaging or leaflets instead of directly on the product.
The new rules aim to streamline enforcement by providing clear and consistent guidelines for both industry and regulatory authorities. In addition, products subject to other EU regulations, such as the Regulation on Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) of chemicals (EC) 1272/2008, must ensure their labels are consistent with these new f-gas labelling requirements.
A mandatory warning label—"Prohibited to be operated, unless required by safety requirements that must be applied at the site of operation"—will be required for products containing banned f-gases, in accordance with Annex IV of Regulation (EU) 2024/573, starting from the specified ban dates.
These updated regulations are part of the EU’s broader strategy to reduce the environmental impact of f-gases and ensure their proper use throughout the product life cycle.
