Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of August 5, 2026, from the General Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises |
|---|---|
| BOE Publication | August 18, 2026 |
| Entry into force | August 19, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Installation companies, manufacturers and maintenance providers of industrial refrigeration equipment |
| Category | Energy / Industrial Installations |
| Reference standard | Safety Regulation for Refrigeration Installations (RD 552/2019), appendix 1 |
| Applicant | AEFYT (Association of Manufacturers of Refrigeration Equipment and its Technologies) |
Industrial refrigeration companies have had two new legally usable refrigerant options in Spain since August 19, 2026. The Resolution of August 5, 2026, published in the BOE on the 18th, expands appendix 1 of the Safety Regulation for Refrigeration Installations (RD 552/2019) with gases R-444A and R-456A. The request was submitted by AEFYT, which provided technical sheets and thermodynamic property tables to support the authorization.
For installation designers and technical managers of installation companies, this is not a minor change: it expands the catalog of available alternatives in a context of increasing regulatory pressure on high-impact fluorinated gases.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution incorporates two new refrigerants into appendix 1 of RD 552/2019, which is the official list of gases authorized for use in refrigeration installations in Spain. Below are the technical data for each one:
| Refrigerant | Safety group | Safety class | Description | ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-444A | L2 | A2L | Slightly flammable | 0 |
| R-456A | L1 | A1 | Non-flammable | 0 |
Classification into safety groups has direct implications for design and installation:
- R-444A (group L2 / class A2L): Being slightly flammable, its use requires additional safety measures in the installation design, such as adequate ventilation and leak detection systems.
- R-456A (group L1 / class A1): Being non-flammable, its handling is simpler from a safety perspective and can be integrated into installations with fewer design restrictions.
The zero ODP in both cases makes them compatible with current environmental regulations, including the European framework for reducing fluorinated greenhouse gases.
Economic and operational impact
This resolution does not impose direct costs or new obligations: it expands options. The economic and operational impact is primarily an opportunity for the sector:
- Greater flexibility in installation design: Technicians can now opt for R-444A or R-456A when seeking alternatives to refrigerants with higher global warming potential (GWP) or with increasing use restrictions under the European F-Gas Regulation.
- Immediate access: There is no transitional period. From August 19, 2026, it is possible to specify, install and maintain equipment with these gases without additional procedures.
- Relevance for new projects: Installation designers working on industrial refrigeration projects can incorporate these gases into their technical specifications from now on.
- Impact on maintenance: Equipment maintenance providers must know the properties of these gases to operate safely, especially in the case of R-444A (A2L, slightly flammable).
No data on gas costs or price comparisons with other refrigerants have been published in the resolution. The specific economic impact will depend on the commercial availability and market prices of each gas.
Who does it affect?
- Industrial refrigeration equipment installation companies: can incorporate R-444A and R-456A in new installations from August 19, 2026.
- Refrigeration equipment manufacturers: can design and market equipment using these refrigerants in the Spanish market.
- Refrigeration installation maintenance companies: must know the safety classifications of both gases to operate with appropriate measures.
- Installation designers and engineers: can specify these gases in new projects, especially when seeking low environmental impact alternatives.
- Technical and purchasing managers in industries with industrial refrigeration: food, cold logistics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and other sectors with their own refrigeration installations.
Practical example
An installation company is designing a new cold storage chamber for a food distribution logistics platform. Until now, its technical specification included a refrigerant with zero ODP but with increasing restrictions under the European F-Gas Regulation.
From August 19, 2026, the responsible technician can incorporate into the project the R-456A (group L1, class A1, non-flammable, ODP = 0) as an alternative. Being non-flammable, it does not require additional safety measures compared to a conventional class A1 refrigerant, which simplifies the design and may reduce installation costs associated with detection systems or forced ventilation.
If instead they opt for the R-444A (group L2, class A2L), they must incorporate into the project the safety measures specific to slightly flammable gases: adequate ventilation of the premises, possible gas detectors and specific training for maintenance personnel. In return, they may obtain advantages in terms of energy efficiency or commercial availability of the gas, depending on market conditions.
What should companies do now?
- Update the internal catalog of authorized refrigerants: Technical and purchasing departments should add R-444A and R-456A to their list of gases usable in Spain, with their safety classifications (L2/A2L and L1/A1 respectively).
- Review ongoing projects: If there are installations in the design or bidding phase, evaluate whether R-444A or R-456A are technically viable and advantageous alternatives compared to currently specified gases.
- Train technical staff: Especially for R-444A (A2L, slightly flammable), installation and maintenance personnel must know the specific safety protocols for class A2L gases.
- Consult commercial availability: Legal authorization does not guarantee immediate market availability. Contact gas suppliers to learn about timelines and prices.
- Update technical and project documentation: Technical sheets, installation reports and safety documentation must correctly reflect the safety classification of the gas used.
Frequently asked questions
When can R-444A and R-456A be used in refrigeration installations in Spain?
From August 19, 2026, the day after the resolution was published in the BOE (August 18, 2026). There is no transitional period: the authorization is immediate from that date.
What is the difference between R-444A and R-456A in terms of safety?
R-444A is classified in safety group L2, class A2L (slightly flammable), which requires additional safety measures in the installation. R-456A is classified in group L1, class A1 (non-flammable), with fewer design restrictions. Both have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).
What regulation governs authorized refrigerants in Spain and where have these gases been incorporated?
Authorized refrigerants in Spain are listed in appendix 1 of the Safety Regulation for Refrigeration Installations (RD 552/2019). The Resolution of August 5, 2026 expands that appendix by incorporating R-444A and R-456A.
Who requested the authorization of these new refrigerants?
The request was submitted by AEFYT (Association of Manufacturers of Refrigeration Equipment and its Technologies), which provided technical sheets and thermodynamic property tables for both gases to support the authorization before the General Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.
Are these refrigerants compatible with current environmental regulations?
Yes. Both R-444A and R-456A have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), making them compatible with current environmental regulations, including the European framework for reducing fluorinated greenhouse gases.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-17906