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DRAFT OPINION (COM(2022)0150 – C90142/2022 – 2022/0099(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on fluorinated greenhouse gases, amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 517/2014

ITRE-PA-737218

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy · Rapporteur: Sara Skyttedal

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The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy's draft opinion responds to the Commission's proposed regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases. It supports stronger enforcement, training and reporting, but proposes amendments to protect heating and cooling deployment, keep the exemption for metered dose inhalers and widen certification to all refrigerants. The rapporteur proposes to extend the ban date for 12 to 24 kV switchgear from 2026 to 2028, to keep the metered dose inhaler exemption until 31 December 2029, and to widen training and certification requirements to all refrigerants, including non-fluorinated alternatives. The amendments also require Member States to store records in a database, ban non-refillable containers for refrigerants, allow return of unlawfully placed products to the origin country, and adjust quota rules for pharmaceutical exports and public health.

Committee position. The rapporteur supports many elements of the Commission proposal but proposes amendments to ensure availability of refrigerants for heating and cooling, extend the switchgear ban date to 2028, keep the metered dose inhaler exemption, and widen certification to all refrigerants.

Key points

  1. The rapporteur supports enhanced implementation and enforcement on illegal trade, training on F-gas alternatives, and better monitoring and reporting.
  2. The rapporteur proposes amendments to ensure availability of a full range of refrigerants for heating and cooling, in line with REPowerEU, the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
  3. The rapporteur proposes to extend the ban date for 12 to 24 kV (12 kV excluded) voltage level switchgear from 2026 to 2028.
  4. The rapporteur reinstates the long-standing exemption for metered dose inhalers under the F-gas regulation, which is deleted in the Commission proposal.
  5. Amendment 1 adds a recital stating that the HFC phase-down should not compromise energy-efficiency ambitions, including heat pumps and foams for high performance insulation.
  6. Amendment 2 bans non-refillable containers for refrigerants, not just ozone depleting substances.
  7. The rapporteur proposes to widen training and certification requirements to all types of refrigerants, including non-fluorinated alternatives.
  8. Amendment 4 requires Member States to store records in a database set up by competent authorities.
  9. Amendment 5 requires recovery of refrigerant gas by certified natural persons for stationary equipment and refrigerated trucks and trailers.
  10. Amendment 8 requires Member States to establish or adapt certification schemes and training programmes within six months from entry into force of the regulation.
  11. Amendment 10 allows products and equipment unlawfully placed on the market to be returned to the origin country, not only disposed of.
  12. Amendments 13 and 14 keep the metered dose inhaler exemption until 31 December 2029 and exempt exports from 1 January 2030.

Who is affected

  • Heating and cooling sector: amendments aim to ensure availability of refrigerants and avoid jeopardizing clean energy transformation.
  • Patients using metered dose inhalers: exemption kept until 31 December 2029 to avoid interruption of access.
  • Manufacturers of switchgear: ban date for 12 to 24 kV switchgear extended from 2026 to 2028.
  • Member States: required to set up databases for records and establish certification and training schemes.
  • Industry and consumers: amendments aim to avoid additional burden and support switch to sustainable heating and cooling.

Figures and deadlines

  • 12 to 24 kV (12 kV excluded) voltage level switchgear ban date extended from 2026 to 2028.
  • Metered dose inhaler exemption kept until 31 December 2029.
  • From 1 January 2030, exemption for metered dose inhaler exports.
  • Certification schemes to be established within six months from entry into force.
  • GWP threshold in Annex IV point 14 changed from 2500 to 1500.
  • RePowerEU envisions an additional 20 million new heat pumps by 2026 and nearly 60 million by 2030.