Key representatives will discuss on the latest regulatory issues and standards regarding natural refrigerants in Europe.

1. Progress on the EU
phase-down
Bente Tranholm Schwarz
DG Climate Action
Atmosphere Europe 2019

2. Progress towards the EU phase-down
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
PlacingonthemarketofHFCs[MtCO2e]
HFC POM in RACHP
equipment, without
authorisation coverage
Issued authorisations to use
quota
Quota-relevant bulk HFC
POM
Bulk HFC POM 2014
(quota-relevant 2015)
Bulk HFC POM 2007-2013
EU 28 Maximum quantity of
HFC phase-down
Source: EEA F-gas report on 2018

3. The phase-down is working
Ø EU HFC prices in 2019 are 4-6 times
higher than before phase-down.
Ø Higher prices promote innovation, low
GWP alternatives, lower leakage and more
recovery.

4. EU HFC emissions going down
Source: EEA greenhouse gas data viewer

5. Illegal trade - how
Ø Good news: COM study shows correctly declared
HFC imports are covered by quota.
EU Imports of HFCs: EUROSTAT data versus data report und the F-gas Regulation
Ø Means illegal trade is mainly in the form of
customs evasion (smuggling/transit circumvention)
-
50
100
150
200
2016 2017 2018
MtCO2e
FGR (total)
FGR (Eurostat scope)
Eurostat

6. Illegal trade - how much?
Ø Illegal trade is happening!
Ø Inherently, no smuggling dataset exists.
Ø At this stage it does not appear possible to
quantify customs evasion on the basis of
available data.
=> Still, COM will continue taking the issue
extremely seriously

7. A tight phase-down – always a priority
Ø COM is doing everything it can to tackle illegal trade
in cooperation with Member States and industry.
Ø High on the political agenda. Environment Council (ministers)
in 2019 & all F-gas meetings with Member States.
Ø Tackling smuggling is a wider customs issue similar to
avoiding smuggling of drugs, cigarettes and counterfeit
products.
Ø Many dedicated F-gas actions taken: COM funding customs
workshops on best practice guidance; exchange best
practice; infringement procedures; customs’ Single
Window; contacting China/neighbour countries and; and;
and …

8. The next Commission 2019-2024
and the European Green Deal
• “I will propose a Climate Law, within 100 days of taking
office, to enshrine in legislation the EU’s 2050 climate-
neutrality objective. This law will set the long-term
direction of travel for all our policies.
• I will also start work immediately to deliver a higher level of
ambition for 2030; and as soon as possible I will put
forward legislative proposals that will help us to reduce
emissions by at least 50%, or even better by 55%. “
Executive Vice President-designate Frans Timmermans, EP Hearing on 08/10/2019
Implications for the EU F-gas policy to be seen …

9. Thank you
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