European Commission Modifies Definition of New Equipment for Ozone Regulation

​On March 29, 2017, the European Commission issued Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/605, which amends Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No. 1005/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on substances that deplete the ozone layer. The 2009 Regulation establishes cut-off dates after which halons should not be used for fire extinguishers and fire protection systems in “new equipment.” The 2017 Regulation clarifies the definition of “new equipment” that is regulated under the 2009 Regulation. Under the 2017 Regulation, the definition of “new equipment” depends on the date of submission of a request for certification to the appropriate regulatory authority. The 2017 Commission Regulation entered into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.