Update on the EU F-Gas Regulation: Important Changes for MAJA Machines

• Sales stop by MAJA (R449A SAH models): July 1, 2026
• Resellers permitted to sell existing stock until: June 30, 2027
• Existing units may continue to be operated
• Further regulatory tightening for R449A: January 1, 2030

Future-proof alternatives

• SAH EcoPro and N Ice (R290): F-Gas-free
• RVH (NH₃ or CO₂): no F-Gas restrictions
• RVH Hybrid: future-proof through later conversion from R449A to CO₂

The EU F-Gas Regulation is a key climate protection instrument of the European Union and governs the handling of fluorinated greenhouse gases.

The aim of the regulation is to significantly reduce emissions of these gases and thereby make a substantial contribution to achieving the EU’s climate targets.

The stricter regulations include, among other things, restrictions and bans on the placing on the market of new systems using F-gas refrigerants.

If you missed our last update on the F-Gas Regulation, you can find it here.

It was announced last year that several MAJA flake ice machines using the refrigerant R449A will no longer be permitted to be placed on the market as of January 1, 2025.

Temporary exemptions were provided for plug-and-play compact machines in the capacity range of 200 to 2,000 kg/24 h under the EU F-Gas Regulation.

This made it possible to continue selling the following models:

• SAH 250 (R449A)
• SAH 500 (R449A)
• SAH 800 (R449A)
• SAH 1500 (R449A)

This transitional regulation is now expiring. Sales of these models will end on June 30, 2026. The date mentioned applies to MAJA as the manufacturer.

Resellers may continue to sell machines already purchased for another year, i.e., until June 30, 2027, without restrictions.

End customers are not directly affected by this change, as existing units using F-gases may continue to be operated.

However, the planned phased reduction of F-gases, such as R449A, may limit the availability of refrigerants in the future and lead to rising maintenance and operating costs.
In the long term, systems using natural refrigerants are therefore becoming increasingly important.

Further Future Restrictions on Refrigerants 

The EU F-Gas Regulation provides for further tightening of regulations in the coming years, affecting both the sale of new refrigeration systems and the maintenance of existing systems.

Future-proof alternatives

MAJA SAH EcoPro

Our MAJA EcoPro series, which uses the natural refrigerant R290, is completely F-gas-free and offers a sustainable, long-term solution.

• SAH EcoPro 85
• SAH EcoPro 170
• SAH EcoPro 250
• SAH EcoPro 400
• SAH EcoPro 800

MAJA RVH
The RVH series, which uses the refrigerant R449A, is not currently affected by F-gas restrictions and remains part of our portfolio. However, further regulatory tightening regarding the use of R449A will take effect on January 1, 2030.

Our solution:
RVH NH₃ or CO₂ as an alternative to R449A
The RVH series, which uses the natural refrigerants NH₃ (ammonia) or CO₂ is not affected by these restrictions and represents a future-proof solution.
For customers who prefer to switch at a later date, we also offer a hybrid solution:
An RVH unit operating on R449A that can be converted to CO₂ at a later date.
By using the natural refrigerants NH₃ and CO₂, maximum capacities between 14,000 and 15,200 kg/24 h can be achieved.
The RVH NH₃ is designed for connection to packaged systems with a pump system.
The RVH CO₂ is designed both for connection to packaged systems and for operation as a split version.

MAJA N-Ice
The MAJA N-Ice portfolio is a sustainable and completely F-gas-free solution for nugget ice applications.

MAJA N-Ice units use the natural refrigerant R290, offering a safe alternative in compliance with the EU F-Gas Regulation.

• N‑Ice 170
• N‑Ice 250

We are happy to assist you

If you have any questions about the new regulations, product availability, or suitable alternatives, your usual contact in sales or internal support is always available to assist you.