Key Takeaways
- EU F-gas regulations apply to both bulk gases and products containing F-gases
- Imports, exports, and certain transit procedures require registration in the EU F-Gas Portal
- A valid F-gas license is required at the time of customs clearance
- Customs authorities can now verify F-gas compliance during transit procedures via NCTS2 PLUS and EU CSW-CERTEX
- Non-compliance may result in customs delays, refusal of clearance, or detention of goods
- Regulation (EU) 2024/573 affects refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps, and related components
When do goods fall under F-gas regulations?
The new regulations cover:
- F-gases imported in bulk
- products and equipment containing F-gases
- goods whose operation depends on F-gases (e.g., refrigeration equipment, air conditioning, heat pumps)
- parts and components of such equipment
In commercial trade, F-gases are most commonly found under the trade names “R” or as HFC, HFO, PFC, SF₆, or NF₃.
Mandatory F-gas Registration and Licensing
Every import and export of goods covered by the regulation requires a valid F-gas license. The license is obtained through registration on the EU F-gas Portal.
This requirement:
- applies to all quantities of goods
- is subject to customs inspection
- must be met at the time of import or export
Failure to register may result in refusal of clearance or detention of the goods.
Transit procedure under increased supervision
The new regulations also cover the transit procedure. As of March 16, 2026, the NCTS2 PLUS system has implemented automatic verification of non-customs formalities related to fluorinated greenhouse gases using EU CSW-CERTEX. This means that customs authorities are authorized to verify compliance with F-gas requirements as early as the transit stage.
In the case of the transit procedure, an entity authorized to use this procedure is required to be registered on the EU F-Gas Portal if the goods are subject to the regulations on fluorinated greenhouse gases. This registration is a formal requirement for the proper execution of the transit of goods covered by F-Gas regulations.
Why Choose Gerlach Customs for F-Gas Transit Procedures
Gerlach Customs holds the required registration, thereby meeting the formal requirements for handling goods covered by Regulation (EU) 2024/573. This means that we can carry out the transit procedure for F-gases and products and equipment containing them in accordance with applicable regulations.
