F-gas Regulation
The F-gas Regulation (842/2006/EC) entered into force on July 4, 2007. The various measures introduced by the Regulation to ensure reduced emissions of F-gases are leak check procedures, labelling provisions, and high standards for the training and certification of staff. In particular, EU Member States had to ensure that by July 4, 2009, only companies with duly certified technicians can purchase fluorinated gases (F-gases) for refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump installations. According to a survey by the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE), out of the 20 Member states who sent information, only 8 had a certification scheme up and running as of July 4, 2009. An additional 7 countries have committed to introducing interim certification systems pending the introduction of their final scheme. www.fluorocarbons.org More on the F-gas regulation: www.iifiir.org/en/regulations.php?rub=2, www.figaroo.org