Diagram showing F-Gas information labels on a refrigerator, air conditioning unit and heat pump, highlighting required details such as gas type, mass and global warming potential.

F-Gas Information Labels in the UK – What You Need to Know

F-gas Information Labels in the UK: A Clear Guide

In the UK, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions don’t stop at power stations or transport—they also cover everyday equipment. Refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems can contain fluorinated gases (F-gases), which are powerful greenhouse gases. To keep things transparent and ensure safe handling, F-gas information labels are required on certain products. Here’s what the rules say and why they matter.

The Regulations Behind F-gas Labelling

The key legislation is EU Regulation No. 517/2014 (commonly called the F-Gas Regulation). Although the UK has left the EU, these rules have been carried over into UK law and are used to limit F-gas emissions and promote responsible use across industry.

Which Equipment Needs an F-gas Label?

New stationary equipment placed on the UK market must carry an F-gas label. This typically includes:

  • Commercial and industrial refrigeration systems
  • Air conditioning units
  • Chillers
  • Heat pumps

What Must the Label Show?

An F-gas information label should clearly include:

  • The statement: “Contains fluorinated greenhouse gases”
  • The industry name of the F-gas used
  • The mass of F-gas in the system (typically in kilograms)
  • The Global Warming Potential (GWP) of the gas—how it compares to CO₂

Extra Requirements

  • Hermetically sealed systems: If the refrigerant is contained within a permanently sealed part of the equipment, the label should state “hermetically sealed” and meet a verified leak rate below 3 g/year.
  • Existing/older systems: Older equipment may not require a label, but the operator should keep system records for F-gas use, service and maintenance.

Why F-gas Labels Matter

  • Awareness: Clear labelling highlights the presence and potential impact of F-gases.
  • Informed choices: Buyers and operators can choose and run equipment more responsibly.
  • Better maintenance: Engineers can service systems correctly and minimise leaks.
  • Compliance: Labels help demonstrate adherence to environmental rules.

Quick Takeaways

  • F-gas labels are a legal requirement for many new refrigeration, AC and heat pump systems in the UK.
  • The label should show the gas type, quantity, and its GWP, along with the standard statement.
  • Hermetically sealed systems need an additional note and very low verified leak rates.
  • Keeping proper service records remains essential, especially for older installations.

This guide is for general information only and isn’t legal advice. Always check the latest UK guidance if you’re unsure.

What is GWP?

GWP (Global Warming Potential) compares how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere relative to CO₂. The higher the GWP, the stronger the warming effect.

Do older systems need labels?

Many older systems don’t require a retrofit label, but the operator should keep accurate F-gas service and maintenance records.

What counts as “hermetically sealed”?

It means the refrigerant is contained in a permanently sealed part of the equipment (e.g. welded). These systems must meet very low verified leak rates.

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