The government has launched a new system to ensure the UK
maintains current restrictions on the use of fluorinated
greenhouse gases in the event of a no deal Brexit.
The new online
system, launched today, will control the use of these
harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
This includes Fluorinated gases (F gases), powerful
greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air
conditioners, as well as Ozone Depleting
Substances (ODS), which damage the Earth’s ozone layer.
If the UK leaves the EU on 29 March without a deal, UK
businesses that produce or trade in these gases or products
that contain them will have to register on the new system
by 12 April 2019. This will replace the current system
which controls emissions for all EU Member States.
The new system will enable the UK to continue its ambitious
commitment to phase down the use of F gas by 79% between
2015 and 2030 to combat climate change.
Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said:
Delivering a negotiated deal with the EU remains the
government’s top priority, but it is the job of a
responsible government to ensure we are prepared for all
scenarios, including no deal.
The new system is part of the government’s commitment to
maintain environmental standards once we leave the EU.
The continued phase out of harmful greenhouse gases is
critical to the global fight against climate change.
Under the new requirements, if the UK leaves the EU without
a deal:
-
Businesses that produce or import F gas or ODSs in the
UK must register to the new UK system. Businesses are
able to register between 11 February and 12 April 2019.
UK businesses which are already registered on the EU
system will receive an email from Defra about how to
register. Other businesses can also register
online;
-
Businesses that register before exit day (29 March
2019) will be able to operate as normal from 30 March
2019. Anyone who registers between 30 March and 12
April 2019 would have to wait for their registration
and quota application to be approved before they can
trade;
-
Businesses looking to secure an F Gas quota for the
first time would need to wait until after 12 April 2019
before they can use their quota to import gas. Anyone
registering after 12 April 2019 would not get a quota
for 2019;
-
UK businesses that import products containing F gas or
ODSs must be authorised under the new UK system;
-
UK businesses that export F gas or ODSs, or products
containing them, to the EU would need to set up an
office in the EU or appoint an Only Representative to
meet EU regulations; and
-
Businesses and members of the public that use products
that contain F gas or ODSs should continue to operate
as they do now as regulations and supply will remain
the same.
Technicians qualified in the UK to service products that
use F gas or ODSs, such as refrigerators and air
conditioners, will continue to be authorised to operate in
the UK but not in the EU.
UK certified technicians who work in the EU should monitor
decisions made by the EU Commission and Member State
governments.
Businesses and technicians that may be affected should read
the latest guidance on
using and trading in F gas and ODSs after the UK
leaves the EU.
