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Ozone-depleting substances: guidance for users, producers and traders

Requirements if you work with ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

From:
Environment Agency and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published
23 October 2019
Last updated
18 April 2023 — See all updates

You must not use ODS in new equipment or to service existing equipment, unless they are recycled halons for critical uses. You can still use equipment that contains ODS as long as it is not leaking.  

For permitted uses of ODS, you must follow this guidance. The guidance applies to anyone who: 

  • produces, imports, exports or sells ODS or equipment containing ODS, like refrigeration equipment and fire extinguishers 
  • uses or services equipment that contains ODS

Lists of ODS

Read the lists of: 

  • all ODS, where you must follow these rules 
  • the permitted critical uses of halons

Producing, importing, exporting and selling ODS

You must: 

  • apply for a licence if you import or export ODS 
  • apply for quota to import or produce ODS 
  • record and report ODS that you import, export, sell or destroy 

Importers and exporters may also need to read the guidance on: 

  • ODS exports rejected at an EU border control post 
  • moving ozone-depleting substances between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Operating or servicing ODS equipment

If you service equipment containing ODS, you must hold the correct qualifications. You must also follow rules when: 

  • checking ODS equipment for leaks 
  • recovering ODS from equipment at the end of its life 

If you operate equipment containing ODS, read the guidance to check: 

  • what qualifications technicians servicing your equipment must hold 
  • how often you must get your equipment leak-checked 
  • how to deal with recovered ODS

Laboratory and analytical use of ODS

If you plan to use ODS for laboratory or analytical uses, you must register for the laboratory ODS (LabODS) service. 

If you sell ODS for laboratory or analytical uses, you must check your customer’s details on the LabODS service.

Updates to this page

Published 23 October 2019
Last updated 18 April 2023 + show all updates

  1. Added a new page 'Recovering ODS from equipment' under 'Using or servicing ODS equipment’.

  2. Added 'Moving ozone-depleting substances between Great Britain and Northern Ireland'.

  3. Added guidance on ODS exports rejected at an EU border control post.

  4. Updated with links to guidance on rules from 1 January 2021.

  5. First published.

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