DEFRA delay changes to the F-Gas quota phasedown

18th May 2026

After months of speculation and a contentious stakeholder consultation issued November 2025, DEFRA have announced that there will be no changes to the legislation in 2026 as more work needs to be done.

The full text of the announcement can be read here.

There have been concerns across the sector as rumours spread about the phasedown schedule being rapidly accelerated causing refrigerant shortages and forcing users to transition to alternatives without first having the necessary training and skills enhancements.

The delay means the phasedown steps will remain as they were in the current regulations published in 2014 as shown in the table below. There had been speculation of a further cut to allowances from January 1st 2027 by a further 20% or more.

Graeme Fox of The F-Gas Register commented: “The delay gives business the time to prepare for the more rapid phasedown and phaseout in time of many HFCs in favour of more environmentally friendly alternatives. We have long been arguing that we cannot safely make the full transition without first addressing the competencies and skills issues which have been identified and I think this is a sensible move by Government which allows time to adjust and prepare. It is imperative that Government keeps listening to those at the sharp end of the sector and I will continue dialogue with the departments responsible to make sure we make changes that are sustainable and manageable, and most importantly don’t put our members or their clients in danger.”

If you would like information on how you can gain the additional qualifications to safely work with hydrocarbons or other alternatives please reach out to The F-Gas Register who can put you in touch with a network of approve trainers.