Overview
The F-Gas Regulation tackles a group of powerful climate pollutants. Fluorinated greenhouse gases trap far more heat than carbon dioxide for each tonne emitted, so even small leaks matter. The law squeezes them out of the market on a falling schedule.
The biggest target is the family of HFCs, the hydrofluorocarbons that replaced ozone-damaging gases in fridges, air conditioners and heat pumps. They are kind to the ozone layer but strong warming agents, which is why the EU now phases them down.
How it works
Two mechanisms do most of the work.
Why phase down rather than ban outright
Many HFCs do useful work and safe substitutes are not ready for every use at once. The quota lets the market adapt. As the cap tightens, the most warming gases become scarce and expensive, which pushes industry toward lower-impact refrigerants and natural alternatives.
This is a different problem from ozone depletion, handled by the Ozone Regulation. Some fluorinated compounds also fall under the wider concern about PFAS, since certain F-gases are themselves per- and polyfluorinated substances.
Note: general educational information, not legal advice. Check the official source before relying on it.