What Is the F‑Gas RegisterUnderstanding the F‑Gas Register & Certified F‑Gas Engineer in the UK?
What Is the F‑Gas Register?
The F‑Gas Register is the official registry and certification system established under UK law (Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations, UK SI 2015 No. 310) and administered by accredited bodies like REFCOM and F‑Gas Register (Quidos), as appointed by DEFRA. It ensures companies and individuals working with fluorinated gases (F‑Gases)—commonly used in air conditioning, heat pumps, refrigeration, and fire suppression—are certified to uphold safety and environmental standards.
What Defines a Certified F‑Gas Engineer?
A Certified F‑Gas Engineer is a technician who has completed formal qualifications—such as City & Guilds 2079‑11 Level 2—enabling them to handle, recover, and safely manage F‑Gases. Regulations require that individuals holding Category 1, 2, 3, or 4 Engineer qualifications must also work under a certified company registration (e.g., REFCOM) to legally perform tasks involving F‑Gases
Category 1 (highest level):
Covers all work—installation, servicing, leak checking, recovery, and decommissioning of refrigerant systems of any size
Categories 2–4:
Restrict scope depending on system size, recovery duties, and leak-check authority
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Personal Qualification: Engineers must hold the right category of F‑Gas license to legally handle refrigerants. Working without proper qualification could result in penalties
Company Certification: Any business offering services on F‑Gas systems must hold valid company certification (such as from REFCOM or an equivalent UK-accredited body). This ensures compliance across installations, maintenance, repairs, and leak checks
Together, these layers protect public safety and limit environmental impact.
Why F‑Gas Certification Matters
Legal Compliance: Handling or servicing F‑Gas systems without proper certification is illegal—subject to fines and enforcement actions by the Environment Agency
Environmental Protection: Certified engineers are trained to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and manage refrigerants responsibly, aligning with climate regulation goals
Professional Reputation: Certification demonstrates commitment to best practices, boosting credibility with commercial and domestic clients alike
Scope of Work an F‑Gas Engineer Can Perform
Certified F‑Gas Engineers are permitted to:
- Install, service, and maintain air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pump systems containing F‑Gases
- Conduct leak checks and perform gas recovery or decommissioning
- Complete documentation and refrigerant logs to ensure compliance with F‑Gas Regulations
Maintaining Certification
Both individuals and companies must renew their certifications periodically—typically every 3–5 years—and keep up to date with evolving legislation such as the UK’s exit from EU F‑Gas rules, plus updated ozone-depleting substance controls
| Role | Certification Required | Legal Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer (Individual) | Category 1–4 Level 2 qualification (e.g. City & Guilds) | Handling, servicing, leak detection & recovery of F‑Gases |
| Company (Legal Entity) | Certification under DEFRA‑appointed bodies (e.g. REFCOM) | Providing F‑Gas services (install, diagnosis, repair, disposal) |
By choosing an F‑Gas Registered Engineer, you’re ensuring compliance with UK and EU environmental rules, reducing risk of illegal work, and supporting safe, efficient operation of heat pumps, air conditioners, and refrigeration systems.
