Germany is recognized as a leader in refrigeration technology and safety practices. The country’s regulatory framework is among the most rigorous in Europe, reflecting both EU directives and strong national laws. Ammonia is widely applied in industrial systems, backed by advanced training programs and strict compliance requirements. Germany also drives innovation in sustainable refrigeration, making it a global reference point for natural refrigerant use.
EN378, DIN 8975, AD regulation, piping, and PED and DGUV 100-200 2.35 (German accident prevention standard)
EN378, VDMA24020, TRAS 110, requirements from BImSch, local requirements from TÜV inspectors and partially rules from customers
EN378, Abfallgesetzt (certificates for proper recycling of materials and working fluids)
YES
see (New installation codes listed) above, only the systen design requirements may apply to the regulations in place when the system was installed. However, when modifications are done the system has to follow actuial regulations and codes of practice.
EN378 part4, CE conformity, x-ray testing pressure and vacuum testing according to AD regulation, 5-year rerun test of safety valve, visual inspection by knowledgeable persons
EN378 part4, certificates for technical knowledge of employees TRBS, with category 4 vessels and piping approval by ZÜS = notified body (i.e. TÜV), Gefahrstoffverordnung (regulation for dangerous goods)
AGI151 standard for insulation, local requirements from customers, fire fighters or local authorities
EN378, DIN 8975
EN378, • DIN 8975 (partl 1 bis 10) refrigeration system. general safety requirements for design, equipment and installation, DIN2405 piping and marking thereof, DIN3158 valves, safety requirements, testing, marking, TRAS 110 (general safety for ammonia systems), UVV20 local general accident prevention, PED and TRB and TRR (with the exemption of TRR100), AD regulation (to fullfill PED), particularly W10 for materials and safe handling of ammonia, UVV refrigeration systems (VGB20), safety information sheet ammonia, BImSchV regulation to prevent accidents (particularly with charges > 3t), water protection regulation, VDMA2420 / association paper summerizing relevant regulations)
YES
DIN2405 piping and marking thereof, DIN3158 valves, safety requirements, testing, marking, EN design approval depending on vessel size/piping size (volume and pressure)
DIN3158 valves, DIN2405, TRAS110, EN378 part 4 (not mandatory, just informative), Betriebssicherheitsverordnung (national safety regulation)
DIN3158 valves, DIN2405
DIN2405 piping and marking thereof, DIN3158 valves, safety requirements, testing, marking, AD regulation (to fulfill PED), particularly W10 for materials and safe handling of ammonia, if applicable special requirements when building in petrochemical or chemical industries
EN378
competent body that gives the final acceptance of the refrigeration system before is can be started, i.e. TÜV and local authoities may require additional safety measures
yes, the personnel needs to be qualified, which is a 3.5 year education at special designated schools for HVAC and refrigeration.
yes, below 50 kg no special requirements, above 300kg (close to populated areas defined by authorities) or >3t BImSchV application required, also for any ammonia refrigeration system installed at facilities that already fall under BImSch. The quantities of ammonia are added for all systems within the facility.
it seems that regulations concerning natural refrigerants should become easier due to the F-gas phase out, there are no stricter regulations expected
it seems that regulations concerning natural refrigerants should become easier due to the F-gas phase out, there are no stricter regulations expected