A Comparative Study on the F-Gas Control Laws and Systems of EU and Korea

This paper reviews and compares the legal and institutional structures of EU and Korea regarding the control of F-gas. Various directives and regulations, programs and initiatives to reduce F-gas emissions in EU are scrutinized. Korea’s related laws and government initiatives are examined and compared with EU’s directives and programs. The authors attempt to characterize both countries’ laws and institutions from the viewpoints of integration, enforcement, and incentives. It is observed that Korea’s micro-level policy tools have followed EU with a time lag. However, despite the recent amendment of CACA, ARCEEV and other related laws and regulations, F-gas control laws and system in Korea still lack integration. The recent amendment of CACA extended the coverage of those who are subject to the refrigerants management standard .and introduced the specialized refrigerants recovery agent system. Despite this amendment, there are still some F-gases, equipments and sectors that are not effectively controlled by the Korean legal system. It is questionable whether there is any meaningful economic incentive to diligent recovery activity of the business owners or the recovery agents. Korea’s enforcement mechanism is not yet seriously examined, and the effectiveness is questioned. A comprehensive F-gas control measure, including a new legislation with separate reduction target and strategies, deserves a serious consideration.