Fluorinated gases including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

Document symbol
G/LIC/N/3/GBR/4
Original language
English
Published on
20/01/2025

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.  For further information on the procedures in place in Northern Ireland, please refer to the questionnaire on import licensing procedures for the European Union. 

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-producershttps://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fluorinated-gas-f-gas-guidance-for-users-producers-and-tradersand-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: 
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|cm$3|or with a spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 2|800|cm$3; 
Vehicles of heading|8705 

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?

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:  

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fluorinated-gas-f-gas-guidance-for-users-producers-and-traders 

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?

N/A

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?

N/A

Q6.XI. Are there products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be exported and not sold in the domestic market?

N/A

Q7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular country:

N/A

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)?

N/A

Q7.b. Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

N/A

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.

N/A

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?

N/A

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.   

This service is free of charge.  

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. This service is free of charge.  

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.

No deposit or advanced payment is required.

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.  

Q17. Are any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence? a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction?

N/A

Other Procedural Requirements

Q18. Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

N/A

Q19. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported? Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange? Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued? What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?

N/A