As a consequence of BREXIT, F-gas certificates issued by UK certification bodies are no longer recognised in EU member states, but thanks to an initiative set up by the Irish Republic, there’s hope for certified operatives who would like to work both in the Ireland and in the EU.

What is the Irish F-gas certification scheme?

The Irish Environmental Protection Agency has set up a programme to ensure that individuals with UK F-gas qualifications working in the Irish Republic can obtain equivalent certification and thereby trade legally.  

It’s interesting to note that these new Irish certificates are also recognised in other EU States.

The programme applies to UK qualifications and certificates relating to the maintenance and servicing of equipment containing ODS (Ozone Depleting Substances) - leak-checking and recovery of gases.

Don’t hang about!

For individual operatives looking to carry out work in the EU, this is good news, but there’s only a short window in which to apply for alternative certification as the programme closes on 30^th April 2021. 

There is no fee for setting up the new certification and re-training is not necessary; the only stipulation is that the UK certificates were issued last year - by 31^st December 2020.

The position in Ireland is as follows:

UK F-gas personnel certificates and training attestations will be recognised in Ireland until 30^th June 2021 – as long as they were issued before 31^st December 2020.

What about company certificates?

Sadly, the equivalent Irish scheme for companies holding UK certification ended on 31^st December 2020.  Companies wishing to work in Ireland and the rest of the EU now need to obtain a recognised certification from one of the 27 EU member states.

How to find out more

Applications for individual certification need to be made online. For more information on how to apply to the Irish Environmental Protection Agency scheme, please click here 

Remember the deadline is 30^th April 2021

For more information about our F Gas qualifications. click here.