2023 ban on foams which contain certain F gas

Prepare for a ban on foams which contain F gas hydrofluorocarbons with a Global Warming Potential of 150 or over

A new ban on foams which contain the F gas hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 150 or over will come into force on 1 January 2023. HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases that can exacerbate climate change, if emitted into the atmosphere.

Foams of this type are often used in building insulation and fire equipment.

Undertakings that do not comply with the ban will be breaking the law and are liable for enforcement action. The only permitted exception is when the foams with a GWP of over 150 are required to meet national safety standards.

What you may need to do

If you’re unsure if this ban applies to you, check which category your product falls into and which HFC it uses with your manufacturer and/or supplier.

Where you consider your product is to be used to meet national safety standards, you should inform the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) that you intend to place the product on the market after 1 January 2023.

You also need to provide evidence to DAERA demonstrating the product's intended application.

Find out more about the 2023 ban on F gas foams with GWP greater than 150.

First published 29 November 2022