1. Home
  2. Regulations
  3. Climate change

Back to Climate change

F-gases and ODS

As part of the Scottish Government's ambition of net-zero emissions for Scotland by 2045, a ban was introduced in 2020 prohibiting the use of certain types of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) with a global warming potential (GWP) greater than 2500 when servicing or refilling refrigeration systems.

This ban continues to be enforced following the UK's Exit from the EU, with the introduction of the Ozone-Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.

Learn more about the ban or read on for further information on F-gases and ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

Fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances

Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) are a family of chemicals containing fluorine. They are powerful greenhouse gases that can contribute significantly to climate change. The UK regulates the use of various F-gases, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).

Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are halogen-containing substances that can damage the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. Some ODS are also potent greenhouse gases. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) represent the largest remaining use of ODS, which are mostly banned in the UK. Other ODS include:

  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
  • Halons
  • Methyl Chloroform
  • Carbon Tetrachloride (the main precursor of CFCs)
  • Methyl Bromide

Both F-gases and ODS are being phased down and phased out in the European Union and the UK. They are used in various sectors, including:

  • refrigeration
  • air conditioning and heat pumps
  • fire protection systems and fire extinguishers
  • mobile air conditioning
  • high voltage switchgear
  • solvents and aerosols

Regulations and legislation

There are two regulations controlling the supply and use of fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances in the UK:

  1. Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/310)
  2. Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/168)

These regulations were amended via the Ozone-Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 and continue to function following EU Exit.

The F-gases and ODS Regulations place several obligations on the operators of equipment containing F-gases and /or ODS. These include requirements to:

  • stop the use of all HCFCs in refrigerant maintenance from 1 January 2015
  • check if the use of an F-gas is banned
  • conduct leak checks on equipment
  • keep records
  • recover F-gases / ODS
  • ensure personnel and / or contractors are appropriately qualified
  • label equipment with details of the F-gas / ODS it contains

The Defra website provides guidance for manufacturers, operators, contractors and others that make, sell or handle F-gases and ODS and associated equipment.

Our role

We are one of the enforcing authorities in Scotland for the F-gas and ODS regulations. Alongside our other regulatory duties, we ensure compliance with these regulations. The other enforcing authorities in Scotland are Local Authorities and Scottish Ministers.

Civil penalties

SEPA has the authority to serve civil penalties on operators found to be in breach of the F-gas and ODS regulations. These penalties are part of SEPA's enforcement strategy to ensure compliance and protect the environment. When an operator fails to meet the legal requirements, SEPA investigates and imposes appropriate penalties. Details of these penalties, including the nature of the breach and the amount fined, are published below to maintain transparency and inform the public about regulatory actions.

Issued penalties

Name and address: DSM Nutritional Products (UK) Limited

Date of penalty: 16 February 2023

Details of offence/breach: Failure to comply with Article 5 (1) of the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015.

Penalty amount: £75,000

Operators of stationary refrigeration equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases in quantities of 500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent or more must ensure that the equipment is provided with a leakage detection system that alerts the operator or a service company of any leakage.

Following a large unplanned release of R134A, an investigation by SEPA concluded that four water chillers on site, each containing R134A with a capacity greater than 500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, were not provided with a leakage detection system to alert the operator or a service company of any leakage.

Further information and guidance

More information on F-gases and ODS can be found at:

Contact us

If you have any questions or require any further information or advice on any aspect of F-gas or ODS regulation, please contact us by emailing the SEPA F-gas helpdesk.