Statutes and regulations

Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is the most important international instrument for the protection of the ozone layer and the climate (from e.g. chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFC)). The Montreal Protocol was signed by 24 states and the Commission of the European Communities in September 1987, signalling the global phase-out of the production and use of CFCs.

The Protocol has been ratified by 197 parties on 16 September 2009, making the Montreal Protocol the first universally ratified international treaty. The production volume of substances which deplete the ozone layer has been cut by 95 percent since 1987.

After years of negotiations, the Parties agreed on an HFC phase down scheme on 15 October on Kigali, Rwanda, to effectively cut HFC emissions. The addition of this substance group of climate-damaging HFCs to the Montreal Protocol is based on their major use as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances.

Kyoto Protocol to the Framework Convention on Climate Change

The emission reduction obligations promulgated by the Kyoto Protocol apply both to the classic greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), and to the fluorinated greenhouse gases HFCs, PFCs, SF₆ and NF₃ (F-gases). However, the Kyoto Protocol contains no measures that are specific to these substances.

Montreal Protocol, Annex F: Controlled substances

Source: Umweltbundesamt

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Both Germany and the EU have laid down own climate targets and have, as Kyoto Protocol signatories, committed themselves to emission reductions. To this end, the EU adopted e.g. rules for the use and the placing on the market of F-gases as in Regulation (EU) 2024/573 and Directive 2006/40/EC.

Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases

Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases which has repealed Regulation (EU) 517/2014 entered into force on 11 March 2024. Its new elements include the phase out of HFCs placed on the market until 2050. Regulation (EU) 517/2014 is supplemented by implementing regulations (see list of links below). Implementing regulations which originated on the basis of Regulation (EU) 517/2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases remain valid until rescinded by new implementing regulations. For further information see our web page EU Regulation concerning fluorinated greenhouse gases.

Directive 2006/40/EC

Since January 2017, the EU Directive 2006/40 /EG bans fluorinated refrigerants with a global warming potential of more than 150 in the air-conditioning systems of new passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. The previous refrigerant tetrafluoroethane (R134a) with a high global warming potential can therefore no longer be used in these new vehicles. See our web page for more information about the directive.

Regulation (EU) 2024/590

Regulation (EU) 2024/590 on substances that deplete the ozone layer which has repealed Regulation (EC) 1005/2009 entered into force on 11 March 2024. 

Germany implemented the EU regulations on specific fluorinated greenhouse gases through the Chemicals Climate Protection Ordinance (Chemikalien - Klimaschutzverordnung – ChemKlimaschutzV). As a result of the new Regulation (EU) 2024/2024, the ordinance will be amended but remains in effect until that time.

Germany implemented the EU Regulation on substances that deplete the ozone layer through the Chemical Ozone Layer Ordinance (Chemikalien-Ozonschichtverordnung). The national ordinance was aligned with the EU Services Directive in 2010.

The German Environment Agency is calling attention to the ban on the use of all partially halogenated, ozone-depleting refrigerants (HCFC), including processed refrigerants. The ban entered into force pursuant to Regulation EC No 1005/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on substances that deplete the ozone layer on 1 January 2015. It concerns both the HCFC R22 and mixtures in which it is contained. The ban on the use of fully halogenated refrigerants such as R12 and R11 has been in effect for a longer time.

The prohibition on use also covers maintenance or servicing activities which involve the refrigerant circuit.

The Working Group on Technical Issues and Implementation of the Federal/Länder Task Force Chemical Safety (Bund/Länder-Arbeitsgemeinschaft Chemikaliensicherheit (BLAC-AS FV)) has determined that activities which involve handling HFC refrigerants are no longer legal pursuant to (EC) No 1005/2009 starting 1 January 2015. The following activities in particular may be affected:

• Filter drier replacement,
• Oil change,
• Repairing leaks and continued operation of system without recharging,
• Pressure measurements with portable pressure gauges using hose lines and Schrader valves.

This interpretation is based on a decision by the BLAC-AS FV dated 9 July 2014.