The new regulations aim to phase out the use of refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) like R452A, which is currently commonly used in a wide range of commercial foodservice refrigeration. Due to a lack of compatible components and technology that can work with alternative refrigerants, FEA has been working with EFCEM to lobby EU legislators to exempt certain critical equipment from the new regulations, to allow manufacturers time to develop new technology and alternative refrigerants.

The exemption means that specific types of self-contained refrigeration equipment that contains fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP of 150 or more can continue to be sold until the 30 June 2026, provided they are labelled pursuant to Article 12(2) of Regulation (EU) 2024/573.  The exemption includes:

• Ice makers with a production capacity from 200 to 2000kg per 24 hours
• Blast cabinets with a load capacity between 25 to 100kg
• Retarder prover cabinets with an absorbed power between 1kW and 2kW
• Chilled trolleys with a rated power input from 1.5 kW to 10.5 kW
• Artisanal gelato makers with a cooling capacity greater than 2kW.

“FEA fully supports the aims of the new regulations, but certain types of refrigeration equipment present big challenges when it comes to replacing refrigerants without compromising on standards of quality and safety,” says Andy Threlfall, technical and policy director at FEA. “The exemption that we and our partners have managed to secure ensures that equipment that is vital to many parts of the food service sector can remain available while alternatives are developed.”

Threlfall emphasises that it is important that the time covered by the temporary exemption is not wasted. “We hope that manufacturers take full advantage of this period of grace to evolve their equipment and find alternatives that comply with the F-gas regulations by 2026,” he says. “Developing and deploying new technology will be a vital part of meeting the industry’s Net Zero targets.”

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.  For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk