R407F disposal and servicing: rules up to and after 2032
You may still top up R407F, including with virgin gas, because its GWP of 1825 is below the 2500 limit. From 1 January 2032, stationary refrigeration equipment using R407F may only be serviced with reclaimed or recycled gas. Reclaimed R407F therefore stays in demand, and Gaia Cooling collects recovered R407F.
- GWP
- 1825
- Type
- HFC blend
- Destination
- Reuse after reclamation
What applies to R407F
- 2025
The servicing ban on virgin refrigerant with a GWP of 2500 or more hits R404A and R507A. R407F is not covered and is a common choice for conversions.
- 2027
The maximum amount of new HFCs allowed on the EU market roughly halves, from 42.9 to 21.7 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent per year. Gas recovered in the EU and then reclaimed or recycled sits outside the quota.
- 2030
New refrigeration equipment (other than chillers) containing F-gases with a GWP of 150 or more may no longer be placed on the market, unless safety requirements at the site make it necessary.
- 2032
Servicing stationary refrigeration equipment with virgin R407F is banned. Reclaimed and recycled R407F remains allowed, with no end date in the Regulation. Chillers, air conditioning and heat pumps are not covered by this ban.
R407F is mainly found in supermarket refrigeration and commercial systems for medium and low temperatures. It was often chosen when converting R404A and R22 systems.
New systems usually use CO₂ (R744), smaller cabinets propane (R290). Conversions often go to R448A or R449A, which have a lower GWP. These also fall under the 2032 ban on virgin refrigerant with a GWP of 750 or more.
Offering R407F
We collect recovered R407F from installers, wholesalers and equipment owners. Collection goes through a licensed carrier, we handle the paperwork and we look at the price lot by lot. The gas goes to a licensed reclamation plant and returns to the market for servicing existing systems.
Questions about R407F
Can I still top up R407F?
Yes, including with virgin gas. From 1 January 2032, stationary refrigeration equipment may only be topped up with reclaimed or recycled R407F. The Regulation sets no end date for that gas.
Does converting from R404A to R407F still make sense?
It can, but from 2032 R407F falls under the ban on virgin gas for servicing refrigeration equipment. So do R448A and R449A, although they have a lower GWP and so use less quota per kilo. Look at the expected remaining life of the system.
What sets the price for recovered R407F?
That depends on gas type, purity, quantity and location. With a blend like R407F, the composition can shift after a leak. So we look at each lot separately, and you know where you stand upfront.