CECE has highlighted the technical and operational challenges facing construction equipment manufacturers as the European Union considers future restrictions on fluorinated gases (F-gases), which are used in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
The European construction equipment industry association recently met with representatives of the European Commission as part of a wider alliance of F-gas producers and businesses from the mobility and machinery sectors.
The discussions focused on the implications of refrigerant policy for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), where manufacturers must balance environmental objectives with machine safety, performance and operational requirements.
CECE stressed that moving to alternative refrigerant technologies is not straightforward, particularly given the diversity of machinery used across construction and other industrial applications.
While the industry recognises the importance of reducing emissions, CECE emphasised that further technological development and realistic transition periods will be essential to ensure alternative solutions are safe, effective and suitable for demanding working environments.
European Commission representatives acknowledged the technical complexity of the issue and the importance of understanding how potential restrictions could affect different industrial sectors.
CECE will continue working with EU policymakers to ensure that the specific requirements of construction equipment manufacturers are considered as future refrigerant policies develop.
As a member of CECE, the CEA (Construction Equipment Association) continues to follow European regulatory developments that could have implications for construction equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
Source: CECE, 7 October 2026.