F-gases are often used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances because they do not deplete the ozone layer of the atmosphere. However, F-gases are strong greenhouse gases with an even higher warming potential than carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ). They thus contribute to climate change to a large extent.

To control emissions from F-gases, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the European Union adopted two legislative acts: regulation on F-gases a the MAC directive (Mobile Air Conditioning systems) . The EEA contributes by collecting data on the production, import, export, disposal and use of F-gases in the EU as reported by companies. This data is published annually in the report on fluorinated greenhouse gases. (More on www.eea.europa.eu)