Guidance

F gas exports rejected at an EU border control post

What to do if your fluorinated gas (F gas) exports are rejected at an EU border control post (BCP).

• From: Environment Agency and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 11 January 2021
• Last updated: 18 January 2024 — See all updates

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are the most common type of F gas.

If your HFC exports are rejected at an EU BCP, they will be returned to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Border Force will then stop and hold your HFCs at the border.

To re-enter Great Britain, the HFCs will need to regain free circulation status.

This applies to HFCs in bulk and in products and equipment.

Regaining free circulation status

To regain free circulation status, the HFCs must comply with clearance processes. This means you must:

• have a full customs declaration
• register for an account on the F gas service
• have enough HFC quota, quota authorisations or quota delegations at the time of re-entry

The National Clearance Hub (NCH) and the Environment Agency will check and decide how to deal with your F gas. If you have any questions, contact [email protected].

If your F gas meets clearance processes, you can place it on the market in Great Britain.

You may need to destroy the F gas if it is banned or does not comply with clearance processes.

Check the list of licensed waste facilities that accept waste F gas.

Published 11 January 2021
Last updated 18 January 2024 + show all updates

1. 18 January 2024

   Added a support email address and a link to licensed waste facilities that can accept rejected F gas.

2. 11 January 2021

   First published.