Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Regulation (EU) 2024/590

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The EU's Ozone Depleting Substances Regulation (2024/590), replacing 1005/2009 from March 2024, enforces the Montreal Protocol with iron-fisted controls on chemicals that shred the ozone layer. Key targets:

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) like CFC-11, CFC-12 – banned in aerosols, foams, refrigerants  
• Halons (e.g., Halon 1211, 1301) – fire extinguishers, aviation systems  
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) like HCFC-22 – AC, refrigeration (phased out by 2030)  
• Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, methyl bromide  
• Emerging watchlist in Annex II for potential additions

Zero production, import, or use allowed except for limited exemptions (i.e., essential lab or destruction). From January 2025, mandatory recovery and destruction of ODS in building foams during demolition; intentional atmospheric release is fully prohibited. Products like fridges, heat pumps, fire systems, and foams containing >0.1% ODS are banned from sale, with strict labeling and licensing for any permitted trade.

Non-compliance is ruthless: customs seizures of entire shipments, EU-wide product bans, mandatory recalls and destruction, fines up to €1 million per violation (or 10% of turnover), criminal charges, and reputational annihilation as "ozone destroyer." 

Equipment manufacturers major retailers and HVAC giants now block suppliers without ODS-free certificates and test reports. One leaky refrigerant unit can cost millions and lock you out of Europe forever.

Professional ODS screening, recovery planning, exemption applications, and compliance audits aren't luxuries. They're your survival kit. Don't let a single CFC trace tank your business. 

Perform a risk assessment or Book your ODS review today and breathe easy in a compliant future.