F-gas quotas and new EU contribution: a measure that redefines costs and strategies for European refrigeration

Europe 's HFC reduction path continues to progress at the agreed rate, confirming one of the world's most stringent greenhouse gas policies. The quantities of HFCs placed on the market are decreasing, while the share of technologies based on CO₂, propane, and other low-GWP solutions is growing .

For the industrial, commercial , and logistics refrigeration sector, this scenario means growing pressure towards alternative refrigerants and increasingly limited availability of traditional HFCs. The new contribution to F-gas quotas , introduced by EU Regulation 2024/573 , fits into this dynamic.

The new contribution on F-gas quotas: an economic lever to guide the market

The regulation introduces a mandatory contribution for all operators who hold and place HFCs on the market through the quota system.

This is a significant measure because:

• directly increases the cost of using quotas , pushing towards refrigerants with a lower impact ;
• strengthens controls on emissions , reducing possible abuses or market distortions;
• It accompanies the sector towards natural alternatives , already facilitated by the reduction schedule foreseen by the phase-down.

The goal is clear: to align economic incentives with climate policy, progressively making the use of high-GWP HFCs less cost-effective.

Operational impacts: what changes for companies, importers and users

For the RACHP supply chain, the contribution is not just an additional burden, but a strategic variable that will influence the entire management of HFCs. The main expected impacts include:

• review of import plans in light of new costs linked to quotas;
• updating the management of warehouses and refrigerant volumes , to avoid costly surpluses;
• greater attention to traceability , given the strengthening of control mechanisms;
• competitive push towards CO₂, R-290 or ammonia systems , considered more stable in the medium term.

This regulatory transition marks a further shift away from traditional synthetic refrigerants, accelerating technological conversion, especially in the retail, cold logistics, and large-scale plant segments.

Because the measure benefits those who are already investing in alternative refrigerants

The strengthening of European policies on F-gases — including phase-downs, immission limits and now financial contributions — confirms that companies that have focused on natural or A2L refrigerants are now in a more competitive position .

The transition is no longer a future option, but an operational condition of the European market:

• those who have already developed compatible skills and products are ready to respond to the emerging demand;
• Those still operating with high volumes of HFCs will face higher costs and reduced margins.

For designers, installers, distributors, and refrigeration operators, it is therefore essential to understand how the new contribution fits into the regulatory framework and how it will influence system choices in the coming years.