EKA and INCERT in Collaboration – Shaping the Future of Certification in Refrigeration Technology

Together with INCERT, EKA recently visited KCU Kyl & Cert Utbildningar AB in Uppsala to discuss and plan the technical adjustments now required in connection with new EU regulations for certification in refrigeration and heat pump technology. We received a warm welcome from Sebastian and Rune at KCU, who gave us a tour and participated in important discussions about future certification requirements.

The background is COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2024/2215, which introduces new certification requirements focused on natural refrigerants – including carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrocarbons. The regulation means that training providers and testing centers need to update their technical equipment and procedures to offer the new testing modules required by the rules.

Jörgen (EKA), Anne-Lee (INCERT), Sebastian and Rune (KCU)

Technical Adaptation for CO₂ and Hydrocarbons

EKA has been tasked with supporting INCERT, where Anne-Lee Bertenstam is leading the effort, by providing technical expertise to review, develop, and adapt the equipment used for certification testing. This includes enabling safe, effective, and realistic test scenarios where technicians can demonstrate their skills in handling natural refrigerants – something increasingly important as the industry transitions to more sustainable alternatives.

A Step Toward a More Sustainable Industry

The visit to KCU is an important part of this work. By engaging directly with educators and practitioners in the field, we ensure that the solutions developed are relevant, future-proof, and user-friendly.

“It’s an exciting challenge to be at the forefront of adapting to the EU’s new regulations. At the same time, it’s a necessary step to ensure both safety and competence within our industry,”says Jörgen Rogstam from EKA.

EKA is proud to be part of this initiative and looks forward to continuing to contribute to a refrigeration industry that is prepared for the future – both technically and in terms of education.

What Do the New EU Regulations Mean?

The new European rules – primarily the F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 and the Certification Regulation (EU) 2024/2215 – will fundamentally impact the refrigeration and heat pump industry. Here’s a brief summary of what’s new:

• All refrigerants now require personal certification.

• New certification categories are being introduced:

  • A1 and A2: F-gases and hydrocarbons

  • B: Carbon dioxide

  • C: Ammonia

  • D: Recovery of F-gases

  • E: Leakage control for F-gas equipment

• Company certification is required for categories A, B, and C.

• Current certificates (Category I–IV) can be upgraded via a simplified test.

• The validity of existing certificates ends by March 12, 2029 – after which an upgrade will be required.

• ❗ Transitional rules and certification handling for mobile A/C have not yet been finalized.

🔗 Read more from INCERT: Stora förändringar gällande kraven för erhållande av certifikat för köldmediegaser

A small antique piece found at the KCU training center

Naturally sustainable engineering solutions