On 13 January 2025, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2025/33, temporarily exempting certain refrigeration equipment from the ban on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 150 or more. The exemption, effective from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2026, addresses the practical challenges manufacturers face in meeting strict environmental deadlines, while maintaining market stability.
Scope of the F-Gas Exemption
The exemption applies to specific self-contained refrigeration equipment, including:
- Blast cabinets: Appliances that rapidly lower the temperature of cooked food, essential in commercial food safety. The exemption covers units with a capacity ranging from 25 kg to 100 kg of foodstuff.
- Artisanal gelato ice cream makers: Machines used for producing gelato by continuously churning and cooling mixtures, exempted if their cooling capacity exceeds 2 kW.
- Ice makers: Equipment capable of producing 200 to 2,000 kg of ice per 24 hours, crucial for hospitality and healthcare sectors.
- Trolleys for preserving and regenerating food: Multifunctional devices for food transportation, capable of maintaining both heating and cooling functions. Models with power inputs between 1.5 kW and 10.5 kW are included.
- Retarder prover cabinets: Appliances used in bakeries and food production to control temperature and humidity, exempted if their absorbed power is between 1 kW and 2 kW.
- Frozen drink and cold cream dispensers: Machines for mixing and cooling slush or cream preparations, with capacities exceeding 3 litres.
These exemptions are particularly critical for equipment used in vulnerable settings, such as hospitals, elderly homes, and nurseries, where delays in availability could significantly impact service delivery.
Why Was the Exemption Necessary?
Regulation (EU) 2024/573, which prohibited high-GWP refrigeration equipment starting 1 January 2025, set an ambitious environmental target to combat climate change. However, the practicalities of implementing these changes proved challenging:
- Manufacturing Conversion Delays: Transitioning production to low-GWP alternatives requires extensive redesigning of equipment, updates to manufacturing processes, and workforce retraining.
- Tight Timelines: The ban took effect in March 2024, leaving insufficient time for large-scale adaptation, particularly for smaller manufacturers.
- Economic and Supply Chain Impact: Immediate compliance would result in disproportionate costs for manufacturers and potential shortages of essential equipment in the EU market.
To address these issues, the French and Italian authorities submitted exemption requests, emphasising the need for more time to enable a smoother transition without compromising market supply or safety.
Environmental Considerations
While the exemption provides short-term relief, it maintains the EU's broader commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Commission has set the 30 June 2026 deadline for manufacturers to fully transition to low-GWP alternatives. This decision ensures:
- A gradual but firm move towards sustainable practices.
- Adequate time for the development and integration of compliant technologies.
- Protection of essential services in vulnerable sectors.
The Regulation (EU) 2025/33 provides a pragmatic approach to achieving environmental sustainability without causing disruptions in critical sectors. This exemption period supports manufacturers in adopting greener solutions while ensuring the continuity of refrigeration equipment supply across the EU.
