F-GAS Certification for Fluorinated Gases

Fluorinated greenhouse gases (commonly known as F-GAS) are regulated by Presidential Decree 146/2018 and Legislative Decree 26/2013, which implement Regulation no. 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council with the aim of protecting the environment by reducing emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases.

Specifically, Presidential Decree no. 146/2018 introduced in Italy the certification obligation for companies carrying out the following activities:

  • installation, repair, maintenance, servicing or dismantling of fixed refrigeration, air conditioning and fixed heat pump equipment (Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2067 - ex Regulation (EC) 303/2008);
  • installation, repair, maintenance, servicing or dismantling of fire protection equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases (Implementing Regulation (EC) 304/2008).

In order to obtain certification, companies must demonstrate that they have

  • employ certified personnel, pursuant to Presidential Decree no. 146/2018 in sufficient number to cover the expected volume of activity;
  • that the personnel involved in the activities for which certification is requested have the necessary tools and procedures;
  • to be in possession of the certificate of registration in the national telematic register of certified companies as per article 15 of Presidential Decree no. 146/2018.
 Examination of the application and documentation sent by the Company, listed in the "Special rules" specific to the product to be certified. Any deficiencies and significant deviations from the requirements, found at this stage, will be communicated so that the appropriate changes can be introduced before the assessment visit is carried out. Upon request, CSI will appoint an inspector to visit the organisation to verify the conformity of the product, process or service. If the results of the visit include non-conformities or observations, a corrective action plan will be required to meet the requirements for the issue of the product certificate. After all the non-conformities that may have emerged from the assessment visit have been passed, and after the positive outcome of the laboratory tests, certification will be granted. The issue of the certificate will be followed by surveillance visits to verify that compliance is being maintained. The frequency of surveillance visits and laboratory tests, if any, is fixed by the special rules applicable. The certification shall have the validity defined in the specific special rules, on expiry the contract shall be deemed to be tacitly renewed unless terminated by one of the two contracting parties 4 (four) months before the expiry date. Tool to certify, though an official recognized third-party body endorsement, that the company is compliant to the requirement... Tool to certify the capability of an organization to gain and maintain steadily, service standard declared to the public... Formal act of a third-party body that certify the conformity of the product technical reference documents, marketing deed to enhance and diversify the product... For years the training offered by IMQ group represented a point of reference for professional development and the update of freelance and employees. Second and third-party, inspections and testing: expert auditors capable to understand the situation of the company...