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MAC Directive |
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| Background |
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This Directive stems from an initiative by the European Commission to reduce emissions of
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride, commonly known as "F-Gases". Given their high global warming potential, caps on the use of these chemicals are part of the EU efforts to implement the Kyoto protocol on climate change.
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The original proposal was launched in 2003. The European Institutions have then gone through a negotiation process that led to the adoption of the final text in May 2006.
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| Targets |
The adopted Directive establishes limits specifically for air conditioning systems in motor vehicles, namely:
From 2011: ban on F-gases with a global warming potential (GWP) of more than 150 for new models. R134a, an HFC with a GWP of 1410, is thus covered by this measure. However, R152, which has a global warming potential of 120, could still be used after that date. R744 (CO2) a GWP of 1, emerged thus as the most likely alternative to current systems.
From 2017: ban on F-gases with GWP of more than 150 for all cars.
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| Official documents |
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| Latest & Next steps |
Every EU Member State now has to implement the Directive in the way it considers appropriate to meet the overall targets agreed. The European Institutions will assist in this process. On 23 October, 2006, the expert committee responsible for supervising the Directive’s implementation approved a draft regulation from July concerning necessary leakage detection standards and technical provisions. Work on the implementation measures is still on-going.
In 2010, the European Commission will evaluate the need for further action and EU standards in the light of progress made on international negotiations on climate change.
By 2012, an EU-wide standard will be established. Countries with stricter legislation for the moment, such as Austria and Denmark, will have to adapt to this new European standard.
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| More information: |
 Regulatory Approach to
MACs in the European Union (134 KB)
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