Since 2006 the F-Gas Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 has been governing the use of fluorinated gases (f-gases) in systems, such as air-conditioning, cooling or fire-extinguishing systems. This legislation specifies the required safety measures and competencies (e.g. leakage tests, personnel training and certification). The reason why atmospheric emissions must be kept within limits is that the heat-absorbing properties of fluorinated hydrocarbons contribute to the greenhouse effect and global climate warming.

The amended F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 came into effect on January 1, 2015. The goal is that by 2030 only 21 percent of the original 2015 quantity of fluorinated gases will still be in use. The updated regulation includes the reduction of f-gases placed on the market as well as the restriction on new equipment and service products using f-gases. This will help to reduce the emission of f-gases from 182.5 M tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2015 to 38.3 M tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2030.

On March 30th, 2023, the EU-Parliament agreed to the intensified regulations regarding PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment over the next five years. This will lead to more restriction and bans. For example, no new stationary chiller with PFAS refrigerants will be allowed after 2027 amongst other changes that will impact many industries. It signals a major move away from synthetic gases and towards natural alternatives.