Fluorinated gases including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
- Document symbol
- G/LIC/N/3/GBR/5
- Original language
- English
- Published on
- 25/09/2025
Outline of Systems
Q1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as appropriate when elements which have already been described are also present in another system.
HFCs are, together with perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), a fluorinated greenhouse gas (F-gas). F-gases are powerful greenhouse gases, with a global warming effect up to 23,000 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). HFCs are the most relevant F-gases from a climate perspective. As a signatory of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the UK is committed to reduce our consumption of HFCs and to licence and report on them annually. Reducing emissions from F-gases is a part of UK's effort to implement the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The information below outlines the system for the import and export of F-gases (including HFCs) in Great Britain including procedures in place for import of bulk HFCs and HFCs imported in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment pre-charged with HFCs. EU F-gas legislation and systems are directly applicable in Northern Ireland, including Regulation (EU) 2024/573 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 February 2024 on fluorinated greenhouse gases, amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 517/2014.
Companies must have a prior valid licence registration to import and export F-gases. Further, for import of bulk HFCs it is a requirement that the quantity of HFCs placed on the market (e.g., import released for free circulation) are covered by quota on an annual basis. Importers and exporters of HFCs to and from Great Britain must register with the Environment Agency in the Great Britain quota system.
In addition, importers placing on the market refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment charged with HFCs must also be registered and the quantities of HFCs must be accounted for within the quota system at the time of import. This must be documented, and a declaration of conformity must be drawn up in this respect.
Also, the placing on the market of certain products and equipment containing F-gases with a certain global warming potential are prohibited and the placing on the market of non-refillable containers of fluorinated gases is forbidden. Equipment, products, and containers with F-gases must be labelled appropriately. F-gases and HFC guidance is available at
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fluorinated - gas - f - gas - guidance - for - users - producers https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fluorinated-gas-f-gas-guidance-for-users-producers-and-traders and - traders .
The F-gas registration, quota and reporting service implements the requirements related to HFCs under the Montreal Protocol on the substances that deplete the ozone layer, and in particular its Kigali Amendment that added HFCs to the list of controlled substances and agreed to a global phasedown of production and consumption of HFCs and required the implementation of a licensing system for import and export of HFCs.
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing
Q2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately grouped, are covered.
The following HFC's are listed in Annex I, Section 1, of the F-gas Regulation (Bulk Gases) or are mixtures containing Section 1 Annex 1 gases:
|
Substances (HFCs) |
CN/TARIFF code |
|
difluoromethane (HFC-32) |
2903420000 |
|
Trifluoromethane (HFC-23) |
2903410000 |
|
pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) |
2903440010 |
|
1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a) |
2903440020 |
|
1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) |
2903430030 |
|
1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane |
2903450000 |
|
Other |
2903450010 |
|
1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa) |
2903470020 |
|
1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245ca) |
2903470000 |
|
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea) |
2903460010 |
|
1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236cb) |
2903460020 |
|
1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea) |
2903460030 |
|
1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa) |
2903460040 |
|
Fluoromethane (methyl fluoride) (HFC-41)< |
2903430010 |
|
Fluoroethane (ethyl fluoride) (HFC-161) |
2903499010 |
|
1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152) |
2903430020 |
|
1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143) |
2903440030 |
|
1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134) |
2903450020 |
|
1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mee) |
2903480020 |
|
1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc) |
2903480010 |
|
Containing only 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and pentafluoroethane |
3827620010 |
|
R507A (containing 50% of pentafluoroethane (HF C-125) and 50% of 1,1,1trifluoroethane (HFC-143a)) |
3827610010 |
|
Other |
3827610090 |
|
1,1,1-trifluoroethane, pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane |
3827630015 |
|
R404A (containing 52% of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a), 44% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) and 4% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134 a)) |
3827610020 |
|
Containing only difluoromethane and pentafluoroethane |
3827620030 |
|
R410A (containing 50% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) and 50% of difluoromethane (HFC-32)) |
3827630020 |
|
Other |
3827630029 |
|
Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane- Containing only difluoromethane, pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1,2tetrafluoroethane |
3827620040 |
|
R407A (containing 40% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 40% of 1,1,1,2tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 20% of difluoromethane (HFC-32)) |
3827630030 |
|
R407C (containing 52% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 25% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) and 23% of difluoromethane (HFC-32)) |
3827640020 |
|
R407F (containing 40% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 30% of difluoromethane (HFC-32) and 30% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125)) |
3827640021 |
|
R407H (containing 52.5% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 32.5% of difluoromethane (HFC-32) and 15% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125)) |
3827640022 |
|
Other |
3827640029 |
|
R448A (containing 26% of difluoromethane (HFC-32), 26% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 21% of (HFC- 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane 134a), 20% of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf) and 7% of 1,3,3,3tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234ze) |
3827650020 |
|
R449A (containing 25.7% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 25.3% of 2,3,3,3tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf), 24.7% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) and 24.3% of difluoromethane (HFC-32)) |
3827650021 |
|
R450A (containing 58% of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234ze) and 42% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)) |
3827690010 |
|
R452A (containing 59% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 30% of 2,3,3,3tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf) and 11% of difluoromethane (HFC-32)) |
3827630040 |
|
R452B (containing 67% of difluoromethane (HFC-32), 26% of 2,3,3,3tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf) and 7% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) |
3827680010 |
|
R455A (containing 75.5% of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf), 21.5% of difluoromethane (HFC-32) and 3% of carbon dioxide) |
3827680020 |
|
R513A (containing 56% of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf) and 44% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)) |
3827690011 |
|
R514A (containing 74.7% of 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (HFC-1336mzz) and 25.3% of trans-1,2-dichloro-ethylene) |
3827690012 |
|
Other |
3827690019 |
|
Suspensions |
3827690090 |
|
R508A (containing 61% of hexafluoroethane (perfluoroethane) (PFC-116) and 39 % of trifluoromethane (fluoroform) (HFC-23)) |
3827510010 |
|
R508B (containing 54% of hexafluoroethane (perfluoroethane) (PFC-116) and 46 % of trifluoromethane (fluoroform) (HFC-23)) |
3827510020 |
|
R422D (containing 65.1% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 31.5% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 3.4% of isobutane) |
3827620050 |
|
R417A (containing 50% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 46.6% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) and 3.4% of isobutane) |
3827630090 |
|
R419A (containing 77% of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 19% of 1,1,1,2tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), and 4% of dimethyl ether (R-E170)) |
3827620060 |
|
Containing only 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc) and 1,1,1,2,3,3 ,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea) |
3827680030 |
|
Containing only 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc) and 1,1,1,3,3pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa) |
3827680040 |
|
Other |
3827680090 |
|
Other |
2903499090 |
|
Mixture containing by weight: - 69% or more but not more than 71% of 1-methoxypropan-2-ol (cas rn 107-98-2), - 29% or more but not more than 31% of 2-methoxy-1-methylethyl acetate (cas rn 108-65-6) |
3814009020 |
|
Azeotrope mixtures containing isomers of nonafluorobutyl methyl ether and/or nonafluorobutyl ethyl ether |
3814009040 |
|
Ethyl alcohol produced from agricultural products (as listed in Annex I to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), denatured or undenatured, excluding products with a water content of more than 0,3% (m/m) measured according to the standard EN 15376, but including ethyl alcohol produced from agricultural products (as listed in Annex I to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union) contained in blends with gasoline with an ethyl alcohol content of more than 10% (v/v) |
3814009070 |
|
Other |
3814009099 |
|
Halogenated |
3825410000 |
|
1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluoropropane (CAS RN 460-73-1) |
2903470010 |
|
Other |
3827510090 |
|
Containing only 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane |
3827620020 |
|
Other |
3827620090 |
|
Containing only 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and pentafluoroethane |
3827630010 |
|
Other |
3827630039 |
|
Other |
3827630049 |
|
Other |
3827630099 |
|
Containing only 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane |
3827640010 |
|
Other |
3827640090 |
|
Containing only difluoromethane, pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane |
3827650010 |
|
Other |
3827650029 |
|
Other |
3827650090 |
Pre-charged equipment
The commodity codes relevant to this category are:
Air-conditioning machines, comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, including those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately regulated (pre-charged with HFCs).
|
Pre-charged with HFCs CN/TARIFF code | |
|
Of a kind designed to be fixed to a window, wall ceiling or floor, self-contained or split system |
8415101010
|
|
Split system |
8415109010 |
|
Of a kind used in motor vehicles |
8415200010 |
|
Other (incorporating a refrigeration unit) and valve reversal |
8415810091 |
|
Other incorporating a refrigeration unit (pre-charged with hydrofluorocarbons) |
8415820091 |
|
Other |
8415900099 |
|
Other |
8415101090 |
|
Other |
8415109090 |
|
Other |
8415200090 |
|
For use in civil aircraft |
8415810010 |
|
Pre-charged with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) |
8415810091 |
|
Other |
8415810099 |
|
For use in civil aircraft |
8415820010 |
|
Pre-charged with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) |
8415820091 |
|
Other |
8415820099 |
|
Not incorporating a refrigerating unit |
8415830000 |
|
Of air conditioning machines of subheading nos 8415 81, 8415 82 or 8415 83, for use in civil aircraft |
8415900010 |
|
Flame-soldered aluminium block, for connecting tube with condenser in car air-conditioning systems, with: -extruded, bent connector lines of aluminium with an external diameter of 5 mm or more, but not more than 25 mm, -a weight of 0.02 kg or more but not more than 0.25 kg |
8415900060 |
|
Aluminium arc-welded removable receiver dryer, with polyamide and ceramic elements with: -a length of 143 mm or more but not more than 292 mm, -a diameter of 31 mm or more but not more than 99 mm, -with a weight of not less than 0.12 kg and not more than 0.9 kg, -a spangle length of not more than 0.2 mm and a thickness of not more than 0.06 mm, and -a solid particle diameter of not more than 0.06 mm, for use in the manufacture of car air-conditioning systems |
8415900065 |
|
Pre-charged with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) |
8415900091 |
Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, electric or other; heat pumps other than air-conditioning machines of heading 8415 (pre-charged with HFCs).
|
Pre-charged with HFCs CN/TARIFF code | ||
|
Combined Fridge Freezers, fitted with separate external doors |
Of a capacity exceeding 340 litres |
8418102091 |
|
Other |
8418108091 | |
|
Refrigerators, household type |
Of a capacity exceeding 340 litres |
8418211010 |
|
Table model |
8418215110 | |
|
Building in type |
8418215910 | |
|
Other of a capacity not exceeding 250 litres |
8418219110 | |
|
Exceeding 205 but not exceeding 340 litres |
8418219910 | |
|
Other |
8418290010 | |
|
Freezers of chest type, not exceeding 800 litres capacity
|
Of a capacity not exceeding 400 litres |
8418302091 |
|
Of a capacity exceeding 400 litres but not exceeding 800 litres |
8418308091 | |
|
Freezers of the upright type, not exceeding 900 litres capacity. |
Of a capacity not exceeding 250 litres |
8418402091 |
|
Of a capacity exceeding 250 litres but not 900 litres |
8418408091 | |
|
Other furniture (chests, cabinets, display counters, showcases and the like) for storage and display, incorporating refrigerating or freezing equipment
|
Refrigerated showcases and counters (incorporating a refrigerating unit or evaporator)- For frozen food storage |
8418501110 |
|
Refrigerated showcases and counters (incorporating a refrigerating unit or evaporator)- Other |
8418501910 | |
|
Other refrigerating furniture |
8418509010 | |
|
Other refrigerating or freezing equipment; heat pumps |
Heat pumps other than air conditioning machines of heading 8415 |
8418610091 |
|
Other |
8418690091 | |
|
Parts |
|
|
|
Pre-charged with hydrofluorocarbons (hfcs) |
8418991081 | |
|
Other |
8418999099 | |
|
|
| |
|
Refrigerators - For use in civil aircraft >340 litres |
8418102010 |
|
Refrigerators - For use in civil aircraft - separate drawers |
8418108010 |
|
Other |
8418108099 |
|
For use in civil aircraft |
8418302010 |
|
For use in civil aircraft |
8418308010 |
|
For use in civil aircraft |
8418402010 |
|
For use in civil aircraft |
8418408010 |
|
Other |
8418501190 |
|
Other |
8418501990 |
|
Other |
8418509090 |
|
For use in civil aircraft |
8418610010 |
|
Other |
8418610099 |
|
For use in civil aircraft |
8418690010 |
|
Pre-charged with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) |
8418690091 |
|
Furniture designed to receive refrigerating or freezing equipment |
8418910000 |
|
For use in certain types of aircraft |
8418991010 |
|
Other |
8418991087 |
|
Of refrigerating equipment adapted to the air-conditioning system, for use in certain types of aircraft |
8418999010 |
|
Aluminium connecting block for connecting to a condenser manifold in welding process: -hardened to t6 or t5 temper, -with a weight of not more than 150 g, -with a length of 20 mm or more but not more than 150 mm, -with a fixing rail in one piece |
8418999020 |
|
Receiver dryer profile for connecting to a condenser manifold in welding process with: -a braze flatness of not more than 0.2 mm, -a weight of 100 g or more but not more than 600 g, -a fixing rail in one piece |
8418999030 |
|
Pre-charged with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) |
8418999091 |
|
Additional equipment which may be/contain refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump equipment (RACHP), pre-charged with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) subject to licensing requirement /TARIFF code | |
|
Self-propelled trucks powered by an electric motor |
8427100000 |
|
Other self-propelled trucks |
8427200000 |
|
Incorporating heating or refrigerating devices |
8476210000 |
|
Other machines - Incorporating heating or refrigerating devices |
8476810000 |
|
Rail locomotives powered from an external source of electricity or by electric accumulators |
8601000000 |
|
Powered from an external source of electricity |
8601100000 |
|
Powered by electric accumulators |
8601200000 |
|
Other rail locomotives; locomotive tenders |
8602000000 |
|
Diesel-electric locomotives |
8602100000 |
|
Other rail locomotives; locomotive tenders > Other |
8602900000 |
|
Self-propelled railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks, other than those of heading|8604 |
8603000000 |
|
Powered from an external source of electricity |
8603100000 |
|
Self-propelled railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks, other than those of heading 8604 > Other |
8603900000 |
|
Railway or tramway maintenance or service vehicles, whether or not self-propelled (for example, workshops, cranes, ballast tampers, trackliners, testing coaches and track inspection vehicles) |
8604000000 |
|
Railway or tramway passenger coaches, not self-propelled; luggage vans, post office coaches and other special purpose railway or tramway coaches, not self-propelled (excluding those of heading|8604) |
8605000000 |
|
Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons, not self-propelled |
8606000000 |
|
Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment - Tank wagons and the like |
8606100000 |
|
Covered and closed - Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8606910000 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8606911000 |
|
Covered and closed > Other |
8606918000 |
|
Other |
8606990000 |
|
Other of an engine power - Tractors (other than tractors of heading 8709) |
8701000000 |
|
With only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) |
8701210000 |
|
New |
8701211000 |
|
Used |
8701219000 |
|
Road Tractors |
8701230000 |
|
New |
8701231000 |
|
Track-laying tractors |
8701300000 |
|
Motor vehicles for the transport of ten or more persons, including the driver |
8702000000 |
|
New |
8702101100 |
|
Used |
8702101900 |
|
New |
8702109100 |
|
Used |
8702109900 |
|
Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 2 500 cm3 |
8702201000 |
|
Of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 2 500 cm3 |
8702209000 |
|
Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 2 800 cm3 |
8702301000 |
|
Of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 2 800 cm3 |
8702309000 |
|
With only electric motor for propulsion |
8702400000 |
|
New |
8702901100 |
|
Used |
8702901900 |
|
New |
8702903100 |
|
Used |
8702903900 |
|
With other engines |
8702909000 |
|
Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons (other than those of heading|8702), including station wagons and racing cars |
8703000000 |
|
Vehicles specially designed for travelling on snow, with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), or with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine |
8703101100 |
|
Vehicles specially designed for travelling on snow; golf cars and similar vehicles > Other |
8703101800 |
|
New |
8703211000 |
|
Used |
8703219000 |
|
New |
8703221000 |
|
Used |
8703229000 |
|
Motor caravans |
8703231100 |
|
New > Other |
8703231900 |
|
Used |
8703239000 |
|
New |
8703241000 |
|
Used |
8703249000 |
|
New |
8703311000 |
|
Used |
8703319000 |
|
Motor caravans |
8703321100 |
|
New > Other |
8703321900 |
|
Used |
8703329000 |
|
Motor caravans |
8703331100 |
|
New > Other |
8703331900 |
|
Used |
8703339000 |
|
Of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1 000 cm3 |
8703401010 |
|
New > Other |
8703401090 |
|
Of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1 000 cm3 |
8703409010 |
|
Used > Other |
8703409090 |
|
Other vehicles, with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor as motors for propulsion, other than those capable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power |
8703500000 |
|
Of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1 000 cm3 |
8703601010 |
|
New > Other |
8703601090 |
|
Of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1 000 cm3 |
8703609010 |
|
Used > Other |
8703609090 |
|
Other vehicles, with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor as motors for propulsion, capable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power |
8703700000 |
|
New |
8703801000 |
|
Used |
8703809000 |
|
Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons (other than those of heading 8702), including station wagons and racing cars > Other |
8703900000 |
|
Motor vehicles for the transport of goods |
8704000000 |
|
With compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), or with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine |
8704101000 |
|
Dumpers designed for off-highway use > Other |
8704109000 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8704211000 |
|
New |
8704213100 |
|
Used |
8704213900 |
|
New |
8704219100 |
|
Used |
8704219900 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8704221000 |
|
New |
8704229100 |
|
Used |
8704229900 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8704231000 |
|
New |
8704239100 |
|
Used |
8704239900 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8704311000 |
|
New |
8704313100 |
|
Used |
8704313900 |
|
New |
8704319100 |
|
Used |
8704319900 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8704321000 |
|
New |
8704329100 |
|
Used |
8704329900 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8704411000 |
|
New |
8704413100 |
|
Used |
8704413900 |
|
New |
8704419100 |
|
Used |
8704419900 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8704421000 |
|
New |
8704429100 |
|
Used |
8704429900 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8704431000 |
|
New |
8704439100 |
|
Used |
8704439900 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8704511000 |
|
New |
8704513100 |
|
Used |
8704513900 |
|
New |
8704519100 |
|
Used |
8704519900 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8704521000 |
|
New |
8704529100 |
|
Used |
8704529900 |
|
Other with only electric motor for propulsion |
8704600000 |
|
Motor vehicles for the transport of goods > Other |
8704900000 |
|
Special purpose motor vehicles, other than those principally designed for the transport of persons or goods (for example, breakdown lorries, crane lorries, fire fighting vehicles, concrete-mixer lorries, road sweeper lorries, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units) |
8705000000 |
|
Crane lorries |
8705100000 |
|
Mobile drilling derricks |
8705200000 |
|
Fire fighting vehicles |
8705300000 |
|
Concrete-mixer lorries |
8705400000 |
|
Concrete-pumping vehicles |
8705903000 |
|
Special purpose motor vehicles, other than those principally designed for the transport of persons or goods (for example, breakdown lorries, crane lorries, fire fighting vehicles, concrete-mixer lorries, road sweeper lorries, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units) > Other > Other |
8705908000 |
|
Chassis fitted with engines, for the motor vehicles of headings|8701|to 8705 |
8706000000 |
|
For vehicles of heading 8702 or 8704 |
8706001100 |
|
Chassis for tractors of heading 8701; chassis for motor vehicles of heading 8702, 8703 or 8704, with either a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) of a cylinder capacity exceeding 2 500 cm3 or with a spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity exceeding 2 800 cm3 > Other |
8706001900 |
|
For vehicles of heading 8703 |
8706009100 |
|
Chassis fitted with engines, for the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705 > Other > Other |
8706009900 |
|
For the industrial assembly of: |
8708701000 |
|
Wheels of aluminium, whether or not with their accessories and whether or not fitted with tyres |
8708701015 |
|
Wheels of aluminium, whether or not with their accessories and whether or not fitted with tyres > Other |
8708701050 |
|
Other |
8708701080 |
|
Road wheels of steel, whether or not with their accessories and whether or not fitted with tyres, for the industrial assembly of vehicles of heading 8703; vehicles of heading 8704 with either a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 2 500 cm³ or with a spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 2 800 cm³; vehicles of heading 8705 > Other |
8708701085 |
|
Fitted with pneumatic tyres, new or retreaded, of rubber, of a kind used for buses or lorries, with a load index exceeding 121 |
8708701092 |
|
For the industrial assembly of: pedestrian-controlled tractors of subheading 8701 10; vehicles of heading 8703; vehicles of heading 8704 with either a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 2 500 cm3 or with a spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 2 800 cm3; vehicles of heading 8705 > Other > Other > Other |
8708701095 |
|
Other |
8708990000 |
|
Other |
8708991090 |
|
Other |
8708999790 |
|
Works trucks, self-propelled, not fitted with lifting or handling equipment, of the type used in factories, warehouses, dock areas or airports for short distance transport of goods; tractors of the type used on railway station platforms; parts of the foregoing vehicles |
8709000000 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8709111000 |
|
Electrical > Other |
8709119000 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8709191000 |
|
Vehicles > Other > Other |
8709199000 |
|
Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, motorised, whether or not fitted with weapons, and parts of such vehicles |
8710000000 |
|
Trailers and semi-trailers; other vehicles, not mechanically propelled; parts thereof |
8716000000 |
|
Of a weight not exceeding 1 600 kg |
8716109200 |
|
Of a weight exceeding 1 600 kg |
8716109800 |
|
Self-loading or self-unloading trailers and semi-trailers for agricultural purposes |
8716200000 |
|
Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers |
8716310000 |
|
Specially designed for the transport of highly radioactive materials |
8716391000 |
|
Semi-trailers |
8716393000 |
|
New > Other |
8716395000 |
|
Used |
8716398000 |
|
Other trailers and semi-trailers |
8716400000 |
|
Other vehicles |
8716800000 |
|
Bodies |
8716903000 |
|
Fitted with pneumatic tyres, new or retreaded, of rubber, of a kind used for buses or lorries, with a load index exceeding 121 > Other |
8716909096 |
Q3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?
Only Members of the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment.
Q4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, what are its purposes? Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been considered and if so which? Why have they not been adopted?
Undertakings can be United Kingdom (UK) and non-UK organisations. Non-UK undertakings must nominate an Only Representative established in the United Kingdom for the purpose of compliance with the requirements of the F-gas Regulation in Great Britain.
Q5. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is maintained. Is the licensing statutorily required? Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion? Is it possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Legal basis:
- Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 (the F-gas Regulation) as assimilated law.
- The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (legislation.gov.uk).
- The Ozone - Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
- The Ozone - Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020
Procedures
Q6. For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports (whether applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally):
In relation to GB, guidance on procedures for quota allocation and licences can be found on:
Article 15, a, b & c of the F-gas Regulation establishes the quota requirements regarding bulk HFCs.
The quota requirement does not apply to quantities of less than 100 tonnes of CO2 equivalent of HFC per year and also not to the following categories of HFCs:
- imported for destruction;
- used by a producer as feedstock;
- supplied directly by a producer or an importer to undertakings, for export where those HFCs are not subsequently made available to any other party to export;
- supplied directly by a producer or an importer for use in military equipment;
- supplied directly by a producer or an importer to an undertaking using it for the etching of semiconductor material or the cleaning of chemicals vapour deposition chambers within the semiconductor manufacturing sector;
- supplied directly by a producer or an importer to an undertaking producing metered dose inhalers for the delivery of pharmaceutical ingredients.
However, registration requirements remain for companies importing for the exempted uses listed above (except for the amounts <100t CO2).
Q6.I. Is information published, and where, concerning allocation of quotas and formalities of filing applications for licences? If not, how is it brought to the attention of possible importers? Of governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries and their trade representatives? Is the overall amount published? The amount allocated to goods from each country? The maximum amount allocated to each importer? How to request any exceptions or derogations from the licensing requirement?
Reference values for the quota allocation are calculated every 3 years and the quota updated annually based on any requests for additional quota. The names of the undertakings with a quota reference value are publicly available, by request to the Environment Agency, whereas the values are commercially confidential.
Each year (usually in June) the Environment Agency publishes guidance on GOV.UK about the annual quota procedure for the following year. The notice informs about the relevant details of the quota application process including the deadlines. The Environment Agency updates guidance on quota applications and allocations annually, with the quota window usually opening around 30 June and closes on 31 August every year. The Environment Agency will calculate the quotas of applicants by the end of October.
Companies report on quantities imported and exported by 31 March in the year following the activity. Companies report to the Environment Agency using reporting forms on GOV.UK. The reporting format is specified in the F-gas Regulation as it is assimilated in Great Britain.
Q6.II. How is the size of the quotas determined: on a yearly, six-monthly or quarterly basis? Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but licences are issued for imports on a six-monthly or quarterly basis? In the latter case, is it necessary for importers to apply for fresh licence on a six-monthly or quarterly basis?
Quota is issued on a yearly basis. It is based on the account amounts of HFC each company has historically placed on the market (tri-annual reference values) since 2015 and annual declarations made regarding the intention to place additional HFCs on the market. The quotas are calculated in accordance with the phase-down schedule in Annex V of the F-gas Regulation and by applying an allocation mechanism laid down in Annex VI.
Undertakings that have not historically placed HFCs on the market ("new entrants") may apply for quota from the new entrant reserve (11% of the total quota allocation) by registering with the Environment Agency on the F-gas registration, quota and reporting service and declaring their intention to place HFCs on the market the following year. New entrant quota is allocated pro rata between all eligible applicants. After three years, new entrants are allocated a reference value and become incumbent quota holders.
Pursuant to Article 16 of the F-gas Regulation, the quotas of HFCs are allocated to the undertakings annually by the Environment Agency based on a system that takes into account amounts historically placed on the market by certain companies and declarations made by any undertaking intending to place HFCs on the market. The phase-down steps are defined in accordance with Annex V of the F-gas Regulation and the mechanism to calculate the size of the quotas is laid down in Annex VI.
Q6.III. Are licences allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers of like goods? What steps are taken to ensure that licences allocated are actually used for imports? Are unused allocations added to quotas for a succeeding period? Are the names of importers to whom licences have been allocated made known to governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries upon request? If not, for what reason? (Indicate products to which replies relate.)
Unused quota is valid only for the year it is allocated and can only be used for either import or production. Quota can be transferred to another bulk quota holder, authorised to an equipment importer, and subsequently delegated to further equipment importers. The names of the undertakings with a quota are publicly available, by request to the Environment Agency, whereas the values are commercially confidential.
Q6.IV. From the time of announcing the opening of quotas, as indicated in I above, what is the period of time allowed for the submission of applications for licences?
The validity of the registration on the F-gas registration, quota and reporting service is in principle time unlimited. The timeframe for the registration can vary depending on information provided by the company but is usually completed within 20 working days if the provided information is accurate and complete. Companies must be registered before they can get a quota.
Q6.V. What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing applications?
Min and max length of registry requests – one day to a few months – depending on completeness and accurateness of information provided. Registration in the F-gas registration, quota and reporting service can happen all year long. Applications for quota can only be made during a declaration period to be determined annually by the Environment Agency and published in a notice on GOV.UK each year.
Q6.VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licences and the date of opening of the period of importation?
Import may only occur when a company has enough quota after having been registered to import. Hence, it is the annual quota allocation cycle that is decisive. Usually, the declaration deadline is in June/July in the year preceding the year where the quota is becoming valid.
Q6.VII. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?
The Environment Agency is the single administrative organisation involved in the process.
Q6.VIII. If the demand for licences cannot be fully satisfied, on what basis is the allocation to applicants made? First come, first served? Past performance? Is there a maximum amount to be allocated per applicant and, if so, on what basis is it determined? What provision is made for new importers? Are applications examined simultaneously or on receipt?
Quota is allocated based on historic amounts placed on the market (tri-annual reference value) since 2015 and annual declarations on the intention to place on the market. For undertakings that have not historically placed HFCs on the market ("new entrants"), quota is allocated on a pro rata basis. See Article 16 and Annex VI of the F-gas Regulation.
Q6.IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where export permits are issued by exporting countries, are import licences also required? If so, are licences issued automatically?
Q6.X. In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is the importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting countries to the understanding between the two countries?
Q6.XI. Are there products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be exported and not sold in the domestic market?
Q7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular country:
Q7.a. How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made? Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)?
Q7.b. Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Q7.c. Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made? If so, explain.
Q7.d. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?
Q8. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria? Are the reasons for any refusal given to the applicant? Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Companies that meet the ordinary criteria set out in the F-gas Regulation and are registered. The Environment Agency may refuse, suspend or cancel a registration if the criteria are not fulfilled. Incomplete applications or incorrect information supplied to the Environment Agency would result in an inability to register an organisation and applicant would be advised as necessary. There is no right of appeal set out in legislation. Applicants can complain against the decision to the Environmental Agency.
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence
Q9. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licences: (If not, is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation? What persons or firms are eligible? Is there a registration fee? Is there a published list of authorized importers?) a) under restrictive licensing systems? b) under non-restrictive systems?
An undertaking that constitutes a natural or legal person can request registration in the F-gas System. Undertakings registered to import HFCs in bulk can, after validation, apply for HFC quota.
Registration is compulsory for the following:
a. producers and importers to which a quota for the placing on the market of hydrofluorocarbons has been allocated in accordance with Article 16(5);
b. undertakings to which a quota is transferred in accordance with Article 18;
c. producers and importers declaring their intention to submit a declaration pursuant to Article 16(2);
d. producers and importers supplying, or undertakings in receipt of hydrofluorocarbons for the purposes listed in points (a) to (f) of the second subparagraph of Article 15(2);
e. importers of equipment placing pre-charged equipment on the market where the hydrofluorocarbons contained in the equipment have not been placed on the market prior to the charging of that equipment in accordance with Article 14;
f. any undertaking importing fluorinated gases needs to be registered before undertaking such activities in accordance with Article 19.
The list of companies with quota reference values is published on GOV.UK by the Environment Agency.
Companies intending to import in bulk or import refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment charged with HFCs can request registration (licence) in the registry. The detailed requirements for registrations are laid down in the F-gas Regulation and, Implementing Regulation 2019/661 as they are assimilated in Great Britain.
Articles 17 and 19 of the F-gas Regulation imposes an obligation for actors in the HFCs market in Great Britain to register with the Environment Agency on the F-gas registration, quota and reporting service. In Great Britain, companies register by using webforms on GOV.UK and this information is stored in a spreadsheet operated by the Environment Agency. Only companies with a prior valid registration can import and export HFCs into and from Great Britain.
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence
Q10. What information is required in applications? Submit a sample form. What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
The general information requirements for a registration licence is laid down in the F-gas Regulation as it is assimilated in Great Britain.
For undertakings established in the United Kingdom (UK)
a. name and legal form of the undertaking;
b. full address;
c. telephone number;
d. VAT number;
e. Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number;
f. the full name of one contact person;
g. a description of the undertaking's business activities;
h. written confirmation of the undertaking's intention to register in the registry signed by a beneficial owner or employee of the undertaking;
i. bank account details – and validated.
For undertakings established outside the UK and that have mandated a single representative as referred to in Article 16(5) of the F-gas Regulation.
a. the information listed in points (a), (b) and (c) above;
b. the information listed in points (d), (e) and (i) above, but with respect to the Only Representative rather than the undertaking;
c. the full name of one contact who satisfies the conditions in points f) (i) and (ii) above, and an individual electronic address used for professional purposes by that person;
d. an electronic address for the Only Representative;
e. a description of the undertaking's business activities;
f. the written confirmation listed in point (h) above but signed additionally by a beneficial owner or employee of the only representative.
Q11. What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon importation of bulk HFCs no additional documents are required. Upon importation of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment charged with HFCs, a declaration of conformity is required from equipment importers.
Article 14 of the F-gas Regulation establishes the requirements related to the placing on the market of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment charged with HFCs inter alia the link to the quota system and the declaration of conformity to this end. These conditions apply to all placing on the market, including for imported equipment released for free circulation. The purpose of this provision is to safeguard the environmental integrity of the phase-down of bulk HFCs.
Normal customs procedures apply.
Q12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge? If so, what is the amount of the fee or charge?
Any undertaking which is defined as natural or legal person can register on the F-gas registration, quota and reporting service after verification. A charging scheme was introduced on 1 April 2025. The applicable charges can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fluorinated-greenhouse-gases-and-ozone-depleting-substances-charging-scheme and are subject to annual inflationary increases from 1 April 2026. The fees and charges consist of one-off registration charges and an annual subsistence charge (where applicable).
Q13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences? If so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of retention and the purpose of the requirement.
Please refer to 12 above. A one-off registration charge is payable at the point of registration.
Conditions of Licensing
Q14. What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity of a licence be extended? How?
Registration licence is valid until cancelled by the Environment Agency or the company. Bulk quotas are valid only for the year for which they are allocated.
Q15. Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for unused licences or quota. Undertakings that have exceeded their quota are allocated a reduced quota allocation for the allocation period after the excess has been detected. The amount of reduction is calculated as 200% of the amount by which the quota was exceeded.
Q16. Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
According to Article 18 of the F-gas Regulation bulk quota allocated can be transferred to other bulk importers or producers. Only the part of quota based on reference values can be transferred. The part based on declarations cannot be transferred. This is to prevent declarations for quota with the sole purpose of selling the quota.