The European Commission on September 2 published the final text of new rules on the labelling of products and equipment that contain f-gases, aiming to improve the visibility, readability and durability of labels.
The Implementing Regulation, (EU) 2024/2174, which lays down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2024/573) will come into force 20 days from publication but will not be applied until January 1, 2025. It repeals the previous version, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2068).
The delayed application will give manufacturers and suppliers time to comply with the new requirements; it also considers the need for re-labelling products already on the market and allows for a transition period to update existing labels.
Because f-gases are powerful contributors to global warming, their proper labelling is crucial for effective monitoring and reduction of emissions. The new rules include requirements for the visibility, readability and durability of labels, ensuring that they remain legible throughout a product’s life cycle. Labels must contain essential information, such as the presence of f-gases, the amount of gas (in kilograms or grams), and its CO2e emissions.
Additional labels are required for products that contain recycled or reclaimed f-gases, with specific phrases such as “100% Recycled” or “100% Reclaimed.” Labels also need to indicate if the gases are intended for destruction, direct export, or specific uses such as for military equipment or semiconductor manufacturing.
Special provisions are made for products used in the medical field, allowing flexibility in how information is presented, including the option to place the required details on outer packaging or leaflets.
‘Clear, consistent guidelines’
By updating the labelling of f-gases, the EU aims to “enhance transparency, ensure proper handling and promote the use of recycled or reclaimed gases,” said Marc Chasserot, CEO of ATMOsphere, publisher of NaturalRefrigerants.com. It also aims to facilitate the enforcement of these regulations by providing “clear, consistent guidelines that are easy for both industry and regulatory bodies to follow.”
In addition, products that fall under the labelling requirements of other EU regulations, such as the Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) of chemicals (EC) 1272/2008, must harmonize their labels to ensure consistency in the labelling of all products containing f-gases.
A stark label – “Prohibited to be operated, unless required by safety requirements that have to be applied at the site of operation” – will need to be added on products containing banned f-gas starting from the dates of entry into force of their bans, as specified in designated articles of Annex IV to Regulation (EU) 2024/573.
“This regulation is a significant step towards improving the management of f-gases within the EU, supporting the broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change,” said Chasserot .
ATMOsphere contributed feedback to the draft text in June 2024, when it was first published and open for public consultation.
“This regulation is a significant step towards improving the management of f-gases within the EU, supporting the broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.”
Marc Chasserot, CEO of ATMOsphere
