ACRIB’s technical group, which has examined the consultation in detail, has raised concerns about the potential impact of the proposals on installers, service companies, manufacturers and end-users across the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) sector.

The group warns that servicing options for much of the existing equipment will be restricted in future, noting that 46% of cold stores are still operating on HFCs, according to the CCF Cold Chain Report 2026, and that retrofit solutions are not available. It also highlights the risk that customers may face premature obsolescence of equipment, requiring earlier-than-expected investment in new systems using alternative refrigerants. Manufacturers, meanwhile, would need to adapt product lines to accommodate different refrigerants, while employers would need to increase investment in training to ensure staff can work safely, despite such training not being mandatory at present.

ACRIB, which represents a range of trade associations and professional institutes, is calling on the government to provide more support for information campaigns and training standards to ensure awareness, compliance and a safe transition.

Responses from the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) and the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) technical committees are available on the ACRIB website.