Personnel qualifications in refrigeration to become fixed-term

Personnel qualifications in refrigeration will become fixed-term as a result of the new EU F-gas Regulation. All currently qualified personnel must renew their qualification by 12 March 2029 at the latest to keep the qualification valid. The renewed qualification is valid for seven years, after which the qualification must be re-applied for. In addition, the qualification requirements will be extended to persons handling hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and ammonia. The change applies to all 28,000 qualified persons in the register of Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).

The new EU F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 entered into force on 11 March 2024 and replaced the previous Regulation 517/2014. In addition to F-gases, the qualification requirements of the new Regulation apply to persons handling natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and ammonia. Persons qualified under the previous Regulation must renew their qualifications by 12 March 2029 at the latest. The renewed qualification is valid for seven years. Qualifications for hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and ammonia must also be applied for by 12 March 2029 at the latest. Until then, the handling of these refrigerants can be done with existing qualifications. 

Renewing the qualification requires you to complete a refresher course or passing the assessment process. The refresher course or assessment process and the qualification requirements for natural refrigerants will be included in the national certification systems of EU Member States in accordance with the new F-gas Regulation and the EU Commission's Implementing Regulations.

Finnish national legislation will be amended to comply with the new F-gas Regulation. The amendment to the Environmental Protection Act (754/2024) will enter into force on 1 January 2025. Government Decree 766/2016 on qualifications in refrigeration will be replaced by a new decree in 2025. Provisions on the refresher course or assessment process will be laid down in the new decree. 

The criteria for further vocational qualifications and vocational upper secondary qualifications in refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment will be reformed so that by completing one, you obtain a qualification in refrigeration in accordance with the new F-gas Regulation. The reformed qualifications will be introduced in autumn 2025. 

Tukes is updating its refrigeration register to comply with the new F-gas Regulation:

• Current personnel qualifications will be valid for a fixed term until 12 March 2029.
• New certificates of qualification issued after 1 January 2025 will also be valid until 12 March 2029.
• The seven-year period of validity will only apply to certificates of qualification that comply with the refrigeration decree under preparation.

More information:
Markus Kauppinen, Head of Unit
Merja Rajamäki, Senior Officer
Tiina Heikkinen, Permit Processor
e-mails: [email protected]

Enquiries about qualifications and notifications in refrigeration
during phone service hours (Tuesday 10:00–12:00 and Thursday 12:00–14:00).
Tiina Heikkinen, tel. +358 29 5052 156 
Merja Rajamäki, tel. +358 29 5052 518