On May 21, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued revisions to the 2023 Technology Transitions Rule under the Biden Administration. The updates adjust strict and impractical HFC compliance deadlines across key equipment categories, expanding refrigerant options and helping to reduce related capital and operating costs for industry.
This final rule addresses petitions for reconsideration from companies and trade associations representing multiple subsectors. Key changes to HFC compliance requirements are summarized below.
GWP limits revised from applicable levels of 150 or 300 to 1,400 from January 1, 2027, through January 1, 2032
Reverts to 150 or 300 after January 1, 2032 (based on refrigerant charge and system configuration)
Supermarkets may increase system cooling capacity by up to 15% without being classified as a new installation
GWP limits revised from applicable levels of 150 or 300 to 1,400 for 60 days following Federal Register publication through January 1, 2032
Reverts to 150 or 300 after January 1, 2032 (based on refrigerant charge and system configuration)
GWP limits revised from applicable levels of 150 or 300 to 1,400 for 60 days following Federal Register publication through January 1, 2032
Reverts to 150 or 300 after January 1, 2032 (based on refrigerant charge and system configuration)Compliance date for equipment with refrigerant charge ≤ 100 lbs extended from January 1, 2026 or January 1, 2028 to January 1, 2030Eliminates the January 1, 2026 installation deadline for equipment produced or imported before January 1, 2025 with refrigerant GWP > 700
Permits installation of pre‑2025 inventory AC systems
Temperature exclusion threshold adjusted from -50°C to -35°C
Temperature measurement relocated to box temperature
Industrial Refrigeration for Laboratory Centrifuges and Shakers
Compliance date extended from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2028
Source
U.S. EPA: https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction/regulatory-actions-technology-transitions
