LEGAL HFC 4 LIFE is a nationwide project implemented under the European Union’s LIFE programme, aimed at effectively reducing illegal trade in fluorinated greenhouse gases (HFCs) and minimising their negative impact on the climate and environment. The project addresses the growing problem of HFC smuggling and illegal trade, which — due to their very high global warming potential (GWP) — pose a significant threat to the achievement of the EU’s climate objectives.
Main project objective
To reduce HFC emissions from illegal trade by at least 42,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) through the development and implementation of a sustainable cooperation model and tools supporting control, educational, and legislative activities. |
Specific objectives
The project focuses on four complementary areas:
Strengthening the Competencies of State Authorities
- The project significantly contributes to strengthening the competencies of state authorities responsible for supervision and control in the area of refrigerants. Within its framework, approximately 500 representatives of public administration and inspection services have been trained, including officers of the National Revenue Administration, Provincial Environmental Protection Inspectorates, the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection, and the Police. The training covered developing knowledge in identifying illegal HFCs, applying inspection procedures, and understanding new F-gas regulations. Additionally, the project supports improved cooperation and information exchange between institutions, contributing to more effective market monitoring and environmental protection.
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Support for the Legislative Process
- The project supports the legislative process by actively engaging representatives of public administration, the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) industry, the academic sector, and industry organisations in a series of discussion panels. These meetings enable the development of joint recommendations and the formulation of the “RAC industry voice” in the context of amending the Polish F-gas Act. Additionally, the project supports the practical implementation of EU Regulation 2024/573, facilitating the adaptation of regulations to market realities and raising legal awareness among key stakeholders.
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Education of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Industry
- The project encompasses extensive education of the RAC industry, within which approximately 1,000 sector representatives have been trained, including manufacturers, distributors, service technicians, and representatives of the automotive industry. The training and educational activities focus on raising awareness of the risks associated with illegal refrigerant trade and promoting safe and legal practices in equipment use. The project also places strong emphasis on developing market responsibility, supporting participants in applying compliant and environmentally responsible solutions.
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Building Public Awareness
- The project is also engaged in building public awareness through wide-ranging information campaigns targeting various audience groups. These activities aim to raise awareness of the impact of illegal HFCs on the climate, safety, and human health, as well as to encourage the public to actively respond and report suspicions of illegal refrigerant trade. In doing so, the project supports the creation of a more responsible and informed market and enhances environmental protection.
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Project Results and Sustainability
The project delivers a number of measurable results and ensures the sustainability of the actions undertaken. Its outcomes will include a tangible reduction in HFC emissions from illegal sources, better preparation of public administration for market control, and increased awareness and responsibility among representatives of the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. The project creates a lasting model of cooperation between public institutions and the private sector, and the publicly available tools and educational materials will continue to be used after the project’s completion.
The project was developed in response to significant threats associated with the illegal trade of HFCs (fluorinated greenhouse gases), which have a very high global warming potential. The illegal trade of these substances circumvents EU regulations, threatens the environment and public safety, and destabilises the market. The implementation of the project therefore supports both EU and national climate objectives, contributing to a more responsible and sustainable functioning of the refrigerant market.
