Addressing F-Gas quota is of growing concern among OEMs, distributors and businesses of all sizes that operate cooling and refrigeration systems, as the global supply of refrigerants tightens in accordance with EU regulations.
“As a world leader in the manufacture, supply and importation of refrigerants, we are ideally positioned to help incumbents and new entrants use their quota,” said Julien Soulet, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Fluorine Products Europe, Middle East and Africa.
He continued: “Our services encapsulate years of know-how that can help relieve the stress and complexity of the F-Gas quota management process, saving companies considerable time and money.”
Honeywell’s services for new entrants and incumbents include purchasing excess quota and assisting quota holders with importing refrigerant into the EU, thus ensuring they can keep their quota. As part of this service, Honeywell manages all practical aspects of importation, including REACH registration, customs clearance and delivery.
New entrants and incumbents face a number of challenges. For example, new entrants are under pressure to use their quota in the year that they received it, based on a ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ principle. Other challenges include companies not having registered the substances under REACH; not having enough quota to clear product in bulk containers (15 – 18 metric tonnes); and not having the health, safety and environment permits and/or capability to handle, store or deal with refrigerants. Additionally, the process for exercising quota can be administratively burdensome, logistically difficult and costly.
Since 01 January 2015, EU F-Gas regulation has set limits for placing HFC refrigerants on the EU market and quota is required for producers and importers. As of 01 January 2017, it has also been required that HFC pre-charged equipment is covered under the quota system.