Interpretation of Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases

3.6.2015

Question for written answer P-008979-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Philippe Juvin (PPE)

Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases provides that ‘non-hermetically sealed equipment’ — unlike ‘hermetically sealed equipment’, a clear definition of which is included in the text — may be sold to the end user only where evidence is provided that the installation is to be carried out by a certified undertaking.

It has come to my attention that the Commission has drawn up, and sent to Member States, an interpretive document which amends the regulation’s definition of ‘hermetically sealed equipment’ and is thereby driving certain companies out of the market for small domestic air-conditioning appliances that do not require costly installation by a certified undertaking.

1. Can the Commission provide me with a copy of the interpretive document?

2. Can it state precisely what the document’s legal value is?

3. If the document has no legal value, can a Member State implementing Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 at national level refer to its content in producing its own interpretation of the text of the regulation as originally adopted by Parliament and Council as the co-legislators?