New certification system for working with all refrigerants

Do you work with refrigerants such as F-gases, hydrocarbons, CO2, or ammonia? For example as a refrigeration, air conditioning, or heat pump technician? From 29 September 2025 all technicians working with alternatives to F-gases, in particular hydrocarbons such as propane and isobutane, and CO2 and ammonia, must also be certified. The new rules combine certification for F-gases and natural refrigerants into 1 certification system. Your old personal certificate will no longer be valid after 6 months.

Company certificate

In certain cases, businesses that employ persons who are required to hold a certificate, must have a company certificate. 

What has changed?

• 1 certification system: the old personal certificates for F-gases and natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, CO2, and ammonia has expired. From 29 September 2025 you need 1 new certificate (A1, A2, B, C, D, or E) that is valid for all these substances. This way it will be easier for you to comply with the rules.
• Transitional period until 29 March 2026: Until then you can still use your old F-gas certificate or certificate of professional competence for natural refrigerants. From 29 March 2026 onwards only the new certificates will be valid.

For whom?

• technicians working with F-gases or natural refrigerants
• companies employing persons subject to certification

When?

• The new certification requirement is effective from 29 September 2025.
• Your old certificate will be valid until 29 March 2026.