EA proposes charging for F-gas scheme
19th December 2024
UK: The Environment Agency (EA) is proposing to start charging users for the costs of administering the F-gas scheme.
The agency, which administers the F-gas and ozone depleting substances (ODS) online services on behalf of England, Scotland and Wales, has opened a consultation on the charging which it seeks to introduce from 1 April 2025.
“The number of businesses using the F Gas and ODS services has increased, and the government funding we receive to manage these services is no longer sufficient,” the Environment Agency says. “We will not be able to continue providing the same level of service without introducing charges to fully recover our costs.”
The Environment Agency administers the annual quota and licensing system, making sure national and international obligations are met for the levels of controlled substances being imported and exported.
Its role includes calculating quota and managing quota transactions, determining licence applications, reviewing annual reports, while working with businesses and HMRC to ensure ongoing compliance. It also provides guidance and operates a helpdesk.
The Environment Agency is seeking to recover the full cost of its services through charges for new F-gas and ODS registrations and new applications for import export licences and quota laboratory ODS service declarations (LabODS), as well as charging an annual subsistence fee.
The Environment Agency is seeking opinions on the proposals through an online consultation. The consolation is now open and closes on 13 February.
