Amending the hydrofluorocarbon phasedown schedule

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking views on proposed changes to the current HFC phasedown schedule in Great Britain.

HFCs are a type of fluorinated gas (F gas) with a high global warming potential. They are commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps.

The proposed changes would reduce the amount of HFCs that can be placed on the market in Great Britain beyond current legislative limits. This aims to help the UK to meet carbon budget commitments and continue to implement international obligations under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

Respondents are invited to comment on the potential effects of the proposals, including any technical or economic challenges they may create.

Based on an assessment of the 137 consultation responses, we have concluded that further work is required on changes to the HFC phasedown.

To give industry clarity ahead of 2027, we confirm that we will not legislate in 2026 to change the phasedown steps from 1 January 2027. 

For 2027, this means that the relevant HFC phasedown step in Annex 5 of the F gas Regulation will continue to apply.

We remain committed to introducing ambitious reform to the HFC phasedown. We intend to publish a report summarising responses and an outline of next steps later this year.