Phasing out refrigerants R507 and R404A

What has been decided?

In the new legislation on synthetic refrigerants, the refrigerants R404A and R507 are being phased out quickly. These are gasses with a GWP value above 2,500. As of January 1, 2020, replenishing your installation may only be done with the reclaimed and/or regenerated refrigerant R404A or R507. As of January 1, 2030, the use of these refrigerants is prohibited. The prohibition does not apply to:

• Installations with a capacity of <10 kg.
• Freezing applications that work with a temperature <50°.
• Military appliances.
  
  

New construction
As of January 1, 2020, a ban applies to the construction of new installations with a GWP value of >2,500. This includes the refrigerants R507 and R404A.

Usage
If you have an installation that runs on R507A or R407, you may keep on using it. However, there could be a shortage of recycled refrigerants because, from January 2015, the production of these refrigerants will be phased out step-by-step. As of January 1, 2020, the refrigerants R404A and R507 may no longer be produced. From that date, installations may only be refilled with reclaimed refrigerant R404A and R507. It is expected that shortages of regenerated R404A and R507 will occur, which will increase the price. Replenishment of installations that run on R404A and R507 will, therefore, be considerably more expensive. Using these refrigerants will be prohibited as of January 1, 2030.

What can I do?
When you are planning to purchase a new cooling installation, we advise you to look for sustainable alternatives. Increasingly more cooling installations run on natural refrigerants, such as CO₂, propane, or ammonia. These solutions are environmentally friendly and very energy efficient. With this, you also comply with legislation in the long term. As an entrepreneur, you can also benefit from interesting tax schemes.