Regulations And Directives
The laws and regulations listed below are applicable in Germany. Different or additional laws and regulations may apply in other countries.
The effects of climate change can be seen worldwide. Protecting the climate is one of the most important responsibilities. However, this responsibility presents enormous challenges to all involved.
The Kyoto Protocol outlines worldwide goals regarding climate protection, among other things. In addition to target reductions of carbon dioxide, this protocol also outlines target reductions for fluorinated greenhouse gases such as refrigerant R134a due to their high global warming potential.
Vehicles which were type-tested before 2011 with Refrigerant R134a may only be place on the market until 12/31/2016 (this applies to EU countries, countries outside of the EU can have other laws). From 01/01/2017 in EU countries only cars whose refrigerant circuit is filled with a refrigerant circuit with a GWP less that 150 can be brought into the market. Refrigerant R1234yf fulfills the specifications in the provision (EU) number 706/2007.
Numerous laws have been created for the automotive industry, for example at the European level. For example, chemical-climate protection regulations were put into effect on 08/01/2008 in Germany in order to define the European legislation in more detail.
In the European community different regulations have been created for handling refrigerant for example:
- Provision (EU) number 1005/2009
- Provision (EU) number 2037/2000
- Provision EU number 517/2014
- Provision (EU) number 706/2007
- Provision (EU) number 307/2008
- Guideline 2006/40/EU
In Germany there are different laws have been created refrigerant for example:
- Chemical-climate protection regulations, recycling and disposal law
- TRG (technical regulations for compressed gases)
The refrigerant R1234yf is currently not named in the different laws and regulations. Due to its chemical composition it is to be excepted that a revision of the corresponding laws and regulations will also be included. For this reason pay attention to and observe the laws and regulations which apply to the refrigerant R134a also when working with Refrigerant R1234yf.
Maintenance and Repair Work on the A/C System Refrigerant Circuit
Only technicians with verifications of there expertise according to provision (EU) number 307/2008 may perform repair and service procedures on the A/C system refrigerant circuit. (Applies to countries in which these provisions apply, in other countries other regulations or laws may apply.)
The following general points apply:
Operation, repair, decommissioning, take-back obligation
- When operating, repairing and decommissioning items that contain refrigerant, allowing the refrigerant to vent into the air is prohibited.
- Keep records on the quantities used during operation and maintenance so they can be presented to the authorities upon request. A record sheet currently no longer needs to be kept in the EU due to a provision by the European Parliament in 2005. Other provisions may apply in countries that are not members of the EU.
- Distributors of the substances and preparations discussed above are obligated to accept these items back after use or to ensure they are accepted by a third party of their choosing.
- Maintenance and decommissioning of items containing refrigerant that are named in the legislation Substances and preparations named in this legislation may only be accepted by those with the necessary qualification (expertise) and technical equipment.
Recycling and Disposal Law as Well as Processing and Disposal of Contaminated Refrigerant and Refrigerant Oil
Pay attention to the applicable regulations and laws of the country.