Department of Forestry, Fisheries & Environment (DFFE) refrigerant rules for South African Buildings: 2026 Status

F-Gas regulations control fluorinated refrigerants used in air conditioning, heat pumps, and refrigeration. The phase-down of high-GWP gases is accelerating, with operational consequences for owners of commercial cooling systems.

What F-gases are

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and related refrigerants — high Global Warming Potential (GWP) substances used as heat-transfer fluids.

Phase-down timeline

• 2025: most new domestic ACs use low-GWP refrigerant
• 2026: HFCs above GWP 2500 banned in most new systems
• 2027: tighter restrictions for stationary refrigeration
• 2030: many existing systems will need refrigerant changes
• 2050: virtually no high-GWP gases permitted

Common refrigerants

• R-410A (GWP 2088): being phased out
• R-32 (GWP 675): lower GWP replacement, current standard for residential AC
• R-454B (GWP 466): newer alternative
• R-290 propane (GWP 3): natural refrigerant, used in small systems
• CO₂ (GWP 1): industrial refrigeration

Owner duties

• Leak detection — automatic systems above certain charge sizes
• Routine leak testing intervals based on GWP × charge
• F-Gas certified engineer for any work involving refrigerant
• Record keeping (charge size, additions, removals)

Practical implications

• Cost of refrigerant has risen significantly
• Engineers may decline to top up high-GWP systems
• Heat pumps designed for current refrigerants — older systems may need replacement rather than recharge
• Building disposal: certified removal of remaining refrigerant required

End-of-life

Refrigerant must be recovered by F-Gas certified engineer. Cannot be vented to atmosphere. Penalties for breach include unlimited fines.

MCFAR coordinates MEP design with F-Gas considerations on commercial projects.

Frequently Asked Questions