--- title: How Will Revised F-Gas Regulations in the EU and GB Affect Enclosure Cooling? description: Revised F-Gas regulations are changing the way enclosure cooling units are specified across the EU and Great Britain. This article explains how the rules are changing. image: https://blog.rittal.co.uk/hubfs/01%206.png --- [![Rittal](https://blog.rittal.co.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rittal_Theme_Feb2023/images/header-mb-logo.png)](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en) - [Products](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/products) - [Software](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Software) - [Solutions](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Solutions) - [Configuration](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Rittal-Configuration-System) - [Services](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Services) - [Company](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Company) - [References](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/References) - [Make An Enquiry](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Company/Main-Contact) [![Rittal Logo](https://blog.rittal.co.uk/hubfs/Logos%20Rittal/Rittal%20Logo.svg "Rittal Logo")](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en) - [Contact](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Company/Main-Contact) - [Feedback](https://lohservices.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gBNr9lypSetg0Z) - [Blog](https://blog.rittal.co.uk/) - Rittal UK - [UK,EN](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/) - [Rittal International](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Laenderauswahl) - [Login](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/shop/my-rittal) - [Shopping cart](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/shop/cart) - [Products](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/products) - [Software](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Software) - [Solutions](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Solutions) - [Configuration](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Rittal-Configuration-System) - [Services](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Services) - [Company](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Company) - [References](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/References) - [Make An Enquiry](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/Company/Main-Contact) ![](https://www.rittal.com/imf/x1280/80_912/) The platform for everything. 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Although control cabinet cooling remains essential for protecting sensitive automation equipment, the refrigerants used inside active cooling units are now under closer regulatory scrutiny.   The key issue for panel builders and system integrators is that the EU and GB are following different F-Gas regimes, with Northern Ireland aligned to relevant EU requirements under the Windsor Framework. That means a cooling unit suitable for one market may not automatically be the best long-term option for another. This article explains how the rules are changing, why Global Warming Potential matters, and what specifiers should check before selecting enclosure cooling equipment for future projects. # **F-Gas Changes At a Glance** | **Topic** | **Key Point** | | --- | --- | | Main Issues | New F-Gas rules are changing refrigerant requirements for enclosure cooling | | Key Date | Major restrictions apply from 2027 | | EU vs GB | The EU and GB now follow separate F-Gas regimes | | Impact | Refrigerants above specified GWP thresholds may no longer be suitable for new equipment | | Action | Review cooling specifications now to avoid future compliance issues |   ## **How are F-Gas regulations changing?** The EU and GB are both pursuing HFC phase-downs, although each is now operating under a different regulatory regime. Within the EU, Regulation (EU) 2024/573 came into force on 11 March 2024 and introduced tighter controls on fluorinated greenhouse gases. These controls include restrictions governing specified categories of new cooling equipment according to their refrigerant's Global Warming Potential (GWP). GB, meanwhile, is following its own F-Gas legislation and HFC phase-down schedule (this applies only to England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland follows the relevant EU requirements under the Windsor Framework). In May 2026, Defra confirmed that it would retain the existing GB phase-down step scheduled for January 2027 while it considers longer-term reform. Panel builders specifying equipment for different markets therefore need to establish which regulatory regime applies before considering individual refrigerants and cooling units.   ## **Why does Global Warming Potential matter?** GWP measures the warming effect of a greenhouse gas relative to the same mass of carbon dioxide over a defined period. Enclosure cooling units have historically used HFC refrigerants such as R134a, which has a comparatively high GWP. The regulatory direction in both the EU and GB therefore encourages a continuing reduction in reliance on higher-GWP HFCs, although, as we’ve indicated, the two regimes are using different mechanisms and timetables. EU Regulation 2024/573 combines an HFC phase-down with restrictions on the refrigerants used in specified categories of new equipment. The regulation sets different GWP limits and implementation dates according to the equipment concerned, with some restrictions taking effect from 2027. These include a GWP 150 threshold for certain self-contained units, subject to safety provisions. Essentially, from next year, it cannot be assumed that a cooling solution manufactured in England, Scotland or Wales is compliant with EU or Northern Ireland regulations.   ### **What should panel builders and system integrators check?** [Cooling-unit](https://www.rittal.com/ie-en/products/PG20231215KLI101/PG20231215KLI103) manufacturers carry responsibility for designing their refrigeration circuits around the chosen refrigerant and meeting the applicable product requirements. However, as we’ve indicated, panel builders still need to establish whether the unit will suit the application within its location. Panel builders should first find out which refrigerant the cooling unit contains and its charge quantity. The manufacturer should confirm the equipment classification and any applicable placing-on-the-market restrictions. Project timescales matter where customers expect repeat orders across several years. If a manufacturer withdraws a cooling range during a machine's commercial life then later project extensions may require changes to enclosure layouts or electrical designs. Future servicing also deserves consideration as the HFC phase-downs reduce the quantities entering the market. This may limit availability and increase refrigerant prices even where technicians can legally continue maintaining installed equipment. The checks are fairly straightforward during the specification phase, but become much more expensive once enclosure layouts and electrical drawings reach production release.   ## **Do users have to replace existing cooling units?** The regulatory changes discussed here do not generally require operators in either the EU or GB to remove functioning cooling units simply because their refrigerant faces restrictions in new equipment. Operators can continue using and maintaining existing equipment, subject to the servicing, leakage and refrigerant requirements that apply within the relevant jurisdiction. Any decision about whether to replace a unit should consider its expected service life and the potential future availability of other compatible products, particularly if the dimensions of any existing enclosures are likely to limit straightforward substitutions.   ## **Different markets, different F-Gas requirements** The regulatory direction is clear even though the EU and GB are now following separate routes. For panel builders working across both markets, refrigerant specification increasingly needs to account for where the finished equipment will operate and how long that specification will need to remain commercially viable. It's also worth checking how long a manufacturer in GB expects to maintain a cooling model or range and/or if they plan to change refrigerant in the foreseeable future.  This could be important in determining whether future replacements will retain compatible mounting arrangements. **Rittal’s [R-1234yf Blue e+ cooling units](https://www.rittal.com/uk-en/products/Blue-e--S) are designed to meet the applicable EU product and refrigerant requirements for the markets in which they are placed.** Panel builders who want to future-proof their cooling solutions may decide that buying equipment already aligned with more stringent regulations may be a sensible option, particularly for clients operating across multiple locations. --- ## FAQ Which Refrigerants Will Be Compliant After 2027? The impact depends on where the equipment will be installed and how it is classified. EU Regulation 2024/573 introduces GWP limits for specified equipment categories from 2027, including a GWP 150 threshold for certain self-contained equipment, subject to safety provisions. Do existing cooling units have to be replaced because of changing F-Gas regulations? No. Functioning cooling units do not automatically require replacement because their refrigerant faces restrictions in newly marketed equipment. Operators can continue using existing systems, although the servicing and leakage requirements will need to be followed throughout the equipment's working life. Can I re-gas my existing unit with the new R1234yf refrigerant? No. Existing units cannot be re-gassed with a different refrigerant. Cooling units are  designed and certified to operate with a specific refrigerant, so changing to an  alternative refrigerant is not permitted.   # [![Rittal F-Gas CTA](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2675301/interactive-222035363184.png)](https://blog.rittal.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLI81g6dVTri5nlrD2ZPr1aRrW0I30QXjzbUlzvS92%2B93TFJf7Ws7n6E%2BYJjA6PV5kSGJUfAeNhFftwn1qEtrKEwZy3UC7j2Rx3b3qSfGhpvlcnnJNtgA9TuNwywwZeI7rBU4ohDpF06M5czRiIltZNUij0LxfxzGX6I%2F3%2BOlYld2ewUbxbP4c5rjTqGFoDMJdWMkSxeHwtj7Nv4TEjTiqsYbvV%2BAHfF9wYLIVOwEWxllb1hBs5aeKxfLTllba4ryKwAL4sfMmJDiu8tqlgetBs4obwHdr%2FsEWCoPjxwSNAzEQPhl%2F%2Bqx6UhLURaZIIAwqJEoPv0pnq9zxPuyEfX&webInteractiveContentId=222035363184&portalId=2675301) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/RittalLimited) [twitter icon](https://twitter.com/Rittal_Ltd) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rittal-ltd-uk?goback=.nmp_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1&trk=nmp_rec_act_company_photo) [youtube icon](https://www.youtube.com/user/RittalLtdUK) ### Posts By Topics - 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