OpenClosed consultation

Amending the hydrofluorocarbon phasedown schedule

From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published
5 November 2025
Last updated
15 May 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

We are analysing your feedback

Visit this page again soon to download the outcome to this public feedback.

Summary

Seeking views on a proposal to amend the phasedown schedule for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in Great Britain to support the UK’s climate goals.

This consultation iswas being held on another website.

This consultation closesran atfrom
to

Consultation description

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking views on proposed changes to the current HFC phasedown schedule in Great Britain.

HFCs are a type of fluorinated gas (F gas) with a high global warming potential. They are commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps.

The proposed changes would reduce the amount of HFCs that can be placed on the market in Great Britain beyond current legislative limits. This aims to help the UK to meet carbon budget commitments and continue to implement international obligations under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

Respondents are invited to comment on the potential effects of the proposals, including any technical or economic challenges they may create.

May 2026 update on HFC phasedown reform

Based on an assessment of the 137 consultation responses, we have concluded that further work is required on changes to the HFC phasedown.

To give industry clarity ahead of 2027, we confirm that we will not legislate in 2026 to change the phasedown steps from 1 January 2027. 

For 2027, this means that the relevant HFC phasedown step in Annex 5 of the F gas Regulation will continue to apply.

We remain committed to introducing ambitious reform to the HFC phasedown. We intend to publish a report summarising responses and an outline of next steps later this year.

Updates to this page

Published 5 November 2025
Last updated 15 May 2026 href="#full-history">+ show all updates

  1. A public statement has been added to provide an update on hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) phasedown reform.   

  2. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page