Northern Irish F-gas users urged to prepare for change
15th October 2020
UK: DEFRA has warned F-gas users in Northern Ireland to ensure they have enough quota/authorisations and the necessary certification before the end of the Brexit transition on December 31.
With EU regulations continuing to apply to all businesses in Northern Ireland who produce, supply, import, export or use F-gases or ODS after that date, there are two main changes.
Businesses who import and supply the Northern Ireland market with F-gases or equipment containing F-gas will need to have enough EU quota/authorisations to cover their imports from Great Britain, if they do not already have this. Engineers and end-users, such as equipment manufacturers, installers and supermarkets, working with F-gas should ensure they get their F-gas from someone that has EU quota.
Secondly, as has previously been reported, F-gas and ODS technicians in Northern Ireland will need to qualify for an Irish certificate if they are to continue working in the Republic of Ireland from January 2021. However, they will be able to continue to work in Northern Ireland with their current certificate.
Businesses in Great Britain using or trading F-gases or ODS will fall under new systems for Great Britain from 1 January 2021. This will continue to restrict ODS and phase down F gases in line with current schedules.
All businesses across the UK will need to comply with new guidance setting out in detail the steps that need to be taken before the end of the year.
The new free-to-use Trader Support Service will provide support and guidance to businesses moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol. Businesses who sign up to the Trader Support Service will be guided through the new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol and can also use it to complete digital declarations.
