ShareHFC regulations and emission trends in Japan, Europe, and the US: An overview
Explore the recent developments in HFC regulations and refrigerant emissions in Japan, Europe, and the USA, according to the January 2025 edition of JARN.
In Japan, the government aims to reduce HFC consumption to about 11 million tons of CO2 equivalent by 2026. While progress has been steady, primarily through the development of equipment using low-GWP refrigerants, further stringent measures will be needed to meet future targets. Refrigerant recovery rates have improved over the years, and in 2022 the estimated refrigerant emissions from commercial systems slightly decreased, aligning with the country’s compliance with laws.
Europe has made significant strides since the implementation of the F-Gas regulation in 2006. Notable amendments in 2015 and in March 2024 emphasize stricter controls on HFC and HFO blends. These regulations also include mandatory certification for technicians working with low-GWP refrigerants and a ban on certain refrigerants with a GWP over 2500 for maintenance. According to JARN, these measures are expected to continue raising operational standards across the EU. [More information about the F-Gas regulation]
In the USA, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) of 2020 set an ambitious goal to reduce HFC production and consumption by 85% by 2036. Specific deadlines have been established for refrigerant transition in air conditioning and supermarket refrigeration systems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made significant progress in HFC recovery, with a notable increase in recovery volumes, particularly in 2023, as reported by JARN. These steps are critical for reducing CO2 emissions and supporting the transition to more sustainable refrigerants. [More information about the HFC regulations in the USA]
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