European Commission calls on Malta, Italy to comply with EU legislation on fluorinated gases

On the recommendation of Commissioner Connie Hedegaard, the Commission announced this morning that it is sending a 'reasoned opinion' to both Malta and Italy, formally requesting they take action to ensure full compliance with the EU's Regulation on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases ("F-Gas Regulation").

In the absence of a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission warned it may refer the cases to the EU Court of Justice.

Contrary to the Regulation's requirements, Malta and Italy have not notified the Commission of their training and certification requirements for companies and personnel involved in activities concerning F-gases.

Italy has also not notified its rules on penalties in case a provision of the Regulation is infringed.

Fluorinated industrial gases are used in several types of products and applications, mainly as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons, which are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol.

Although F-Gases have no ozone-depleting properties, they have a high global warming potential, in some cases thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas.

The F-Gas Regulation, which has been supplemented by 10 implementing acts in the form of Commission Regulations, follows two tracks of action: Avoiding F-Gases in some applications in which more environmentally benign alternatives are cost-effective. Measures include restrictions on the marketing and use of certain F-gases.

Also, by reducing leakage from equipment containing F-Gases. Measures comprise: labeling of equipment containing F-gases, training and certification of companies and personnel handling such gases, containment and recovery.