New EU decision… The use of substances that damage the ozone layer will be reduced

The EU Council announced that an agreement has been reached between member states and the European Parliament (EP) in regulatory negotiations to reduce substances that deplete the ozone layer and cause global warming.

Consequently, the consumption of hydrofluorocarbons will be completely eliminated by 2050.

Allowances allocated to produce hydrofluorocarbons will be phased out starting in 2036. Both production and consumption will be phased out through a quota allocation programme. Semiconductors will be exempt from the hydrofluorocarbon quota allocation system.

The marketing of several categories of products and equipment containing hydrofluorocarbons will be prohibited, including refrigerators, refrigerators, foams and household sprays.

The sale of products that contain fluorinated greenhouse gases (fluorinated gases) will progressively decline. Small heat pumps and air conditioners containing fluorinated gases will be banned from 2027. The ban on fluorinated gases in split air conditioners and large heat pumps will come into force from 2035.

Once this stage has been passed, the regulation will come into force after being officially approved by the EP and the member countries. (AA)