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On Wednesday 6th February 2019, REFCOM met with DEFRA to discuss:-

  • the latest situation regarding the implications of Brexit for the UK market
  • improvements to the compliance levels in the sector
  • how we can continue to support each other in ensuring we have a robust piece of environmental legislation for the long term.

As previously advised, the implementation of the F-Gas Regulations will continue exactly as it is at present after the UK leaves the EU on 29th March this year.  All existing certification will remain valid and the UK intends to continue recognising certificates issued in other EU member states prior to the leave date.

Talks are continuing between UK officials at DEFRA and their counterparts at DCCAE – the Department of Communication, Climate Action & Environment – in Dublin, as well as with the Commission representatives at DG Clima in Brussels to try and secure a reciprocal arrangement. The phase down will be maintained with the same, steep steps that are in place now. Any measures that have been taken to prepare for the phase down steps must be retained going forward. REFCOM are continuing to support DEFRA with the intricacies of the implications of Brexit.

We discussed the recent positive steps that have been taken in shutting down some of the illegal sales of refrigerant, whether that is through sellers not checking for compliance as they are obliged to, or removing illegal disposable bottle sales from the market.  Both REFCOM and DEFRA appreciate there is still a long way to go on this but we are heading in the right direction and we will continue to work together in improving this further as we move forward.

DEFRA have confirmed that the Environment Agency is expanding its workforce resource to allow them to better respond to the compliance issues. Their new IT system is now live and ready to run the new quota and reporting system that needs to be put in place post Brexit.

Businesses wishing to import or place any ODS or F-Gas on the market, should register to receive Fluorinated gas (F gas) and Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS) This system will allow businesses to register, apply for a UK quota, transfer and authorise HFC quota, report on usage, and apply for ODS licences where applicable.

February 14th, 2019

Posted In: News & Info