Knowledge base

Fixed leak detection: when is a leak detection system mandatory?

Above 500 tonnes CO₂ equivalent the F-gas Regulation requires a fixed leak detection system. What counts, how many kilograms that is, and how it halves your leak-check frequency.

F-gas quota 2027: how to prepare your business for the next quota cut

EU 2024/573 reduces the F-gas quota further in 2027 — the sharpest cut since 2015. We explain what this means for price, availability and planning, and what installation companies can do now.

F-gas leak checks: how often are they mandatory?

How often you need a leak check depends on CO₂ equivalent: from 5 tonnes every 12 months, 50 tonnes every 6 months, and from 500 tonnes a detection system is mandatory. Here's how to work it out.

F-gas logbook: what needs to be in it?

The F-gas logbook is mandatory per installation above 5 tonnes CO₂ equivalent. Here's the complete list of fields, who keeps it up to date, how long you keep it, and what the auditor checks.

Refrigerant balance — a practical guide to a balance that adds up

A refrigerant balance that adds up is the cornerstone of every audit. We explain the different types of changes, how TRANSFER works, and what to do about an unexplained difference.

GWP values of refrigerants: complete table + explanation

GWP expresses how much CO₂ one kilogram of refrigerant is equivalent to as a greenhouse gas. Here are the GWP values of the most common types — plus why it determines when you're subject to the logbook obligation.

New F-gas Regulation (EU 2024/573) — what's changing for you?

The successor to Regulation 517/2014 came into force in March 2024. Quotas lowered, new bans on high-GWP refrigerants. What should you plan for now?

Natural refrigerants: R-290, R-744 and ammonia compared

Propane, CO₂ and ammonia have a GWP below 5 and remain available after every F-gas phase-down. What the three can do, who they suit, and what installation requirements they bring.

R-32 vs R-410A vs R-454B: the differences and which one to choose

The three most common refrigerants in air conditioning and heat pumps compared: GWP, safety class, application, and what it means for your investment now that the F-gas phase-down is underway.

What needs to be on a work order?

What is mandatory on a work order? The legal requirements, what turns it into evidence, plus the extra refrigerant rules for refrigeration work.

The BRL 100 annual check: what the auditor expects

The annual BRL 100 surveillance audit tests whether your refrigerant administration adds up. We walk through a typical annual check step by step — what the auditor checks and how to open the door well prepared.

Heat pump: is maintenance and a logbook mandatory?

Do you have to maintain a heat pump and keep a logbook for it? That depends on the refrigerant and the charge. Here's how to work it out yourself.

New F-gas certification A1/A2/B/C 2026

New F-gas categories A1/A2/B/C/D/E replace the old I/II/III/IV. What changes for your technicians before the deadline of 12 March 2029? Read the complete guide.

What is BRL 100, and why does it affect your work order?

BRL 100 is the assessment guideline for the installation and maintenance of heat pumps and refrigeration installations. We explain what that means in concrete terms for your administration.

Applying for an F-gas certificate: how it works

How do you apply for an F-gas certificate? The difference between the company and the personal certificate (BRL 200), plus the steps and what it costs.

BRL 200 F-gases — what your technician's personal certificate covers

BRL 200 is the personal certificate a technician needs in order to be allowed to work on F-gas installations. We explain which categories there are, what the period of validity is, and what happens when the certificate expires.

The STEK quality mark — what it is, what it gets you and how to keep it

STEK is the company quality mark in Dutch refrigeration. For clients it is often a hard requirement. What does it involve and how does it differ from BRL 100?

What is the Gasketelwet? BRL 6000-25 and K25000 explained

Since 1 April 2023 gas-fired combustion appliances fall under the Gasketelwet. We explain what that means in practice, which certificate you need and what the risk is without valid CO certification.

STEK vs BRL 100 — what is the difference, and which one do you need?

Many installers confuse STEK and BRL 100 because both have to do with F-gases + refrigeration. We explain clearly what the difference is and when you need which one.

What does work order software cost? Prices set out

What does work order software cost in 2026? We set out the pricing models — per user vs fixed package, what's included and which hidden costs to check.

Paper vs digital work orders: the real cost calculation

Paper work orders look free, but hide costs in time, errors and missed invoices. We work through four scenarios — from 50 to 500 work orders a month — and show when going digital pays for itself.

EU 517/2014 + 2024/573 explained for technicians

The European F-gas Regulation in practical language. What changes in 2024/573 compared to 517/2014? What do you as a technician in the Netherlands actually need to do? A practical article without legal jargon.

CO-person certificate: the professional-competence proof for gas work

Anyone working on a gas-fired combustion installation needs a Bewijs van Vakmanschap CO. What that involves, who needs it, and how it relates to the company certificate.

CO inspection: checklist and what needs to be on your work order

What exactly does a CO inspection check, which CO values do you measure, and how do you make sure the work order protects your certification instead of undermining it?

From Excel to SaaS: the complete migration guide for installation companies

Step-by-step migration from Excel administration to a dedicated SaaS platform. Timeline, pitfalls, data validation, and how to make the transition without interrupting ongoing work.

LMRA template for refrigeration technicians: how do you use it well?

LMRA is the 5-minute safety check before every job. For refrigeration technicians there are extra risks with F-gas work and aerial work platform work. Here's how you use the form without it becoming a paperwork exercise.

BRL 100 in 2026: what changes for installation companies?

BRL 100 has been revised. We walk through what actually changes, when the transition period ends, and which administrative adjustments you need to make before the next audit.

SCIOS scope 14 and refrigeration: a common misconception put right

SCIOS scope 14 is about heating systems, not about refrigeration installations — there is no SCIOS scope for refrigeration. We explain where the confusion comes from and which certification is actually relevant for refrigeration companies.

Refrigeration installation maintenance contract: free template (2026)

Download a free template for the maintenance contract of a refrigeration installation. Includes what's legally required to be in it, plus tips for installers.

What does a BRL 100 audit cost? Cost structure and factors

There is no fixed price list for a BRL 100 audit. We explain which factors determine the cost — company size, number of locations, and initial vs. periodic certification.

ILT fines for F-gases: risks without a valid certificate

What does the ILT do when enforcing F-gas rules? What fines does an installer risk without a valid certificate? Practical explanation + action points.

Calibration of measuring equipment BRL 100: everything you need to know

Which measuring instruments need to be calibrated under BRL 100, how often, and who is authorised? A practical guide for refrigeration installers.

Heat pump installer certificate mandatory 2026

Which certificates are mandatory for heat pump installers in 2026? BRL 200, F-gas company certificate, VCA — an overview including fines for violations.

Is a digital work order legally valid?

Is a signature on a tablet screen legally valid? Explanation of eIDAS, the three types of electronic signature and the evidential value of a digital work order.

STEK audit: what does the auditor check during a participant inspection?

An overview of exactly what a STEK auditor checks during the two-yearly periodic inspection: from the company inspection and sample interviews to installation checks, critical versus non-critical non-conformities and the deadlines for a warning, suspension and withdrawal.

What does a CO inspection cost? The cost of CO certification for installation companies

Overview of the costs of becoming CO-certified as an installation company via BRL 6000-25 or BRL K25000: exam costs, the annual InstallQ levy, and why audit costs at the certifying body are nowhere published as a fixed amount.

VCA toolbox meeting: is it mandatory and how often?

Toolbox meetings are periodic, group-based safety meetings. We explain when this is mandatory, how often, what needs to be included, and the difference with an LMRA.

CO inspection: why there is no fixed retesting interval laid down

No BRL or law prescribes a fixed cadence for CO inspections of gas-fired combustion appliances. What is laid down — and what that means for your records.

Public liability insurance for refrigeration engineering companies

What does a public liability insurance (AVB) cover for a refrigeration engineering installer, and where are the gaps? Explanation of care, custody and control damage and professional liability, without invented premiums.

BRL 100: what happens when there's a non-conformity during the audit?

A BRL 100 audit results in a critical or non-critical non-conformity — this determines your correction period and what happens to your certificate if you don't meet that period.

Recovering refrigerant: the rules, the certificate and the balance

During maintenance, repair and disposal, refrigerant must be recovered — not vented. Who is allowed to do that, what happens to it, and how you record it so your balance closes.

Sole trader in refrigeration engineering: which certificates and insurance do you need?

As a sole trader in refrigeration engineering you always need a BRL 200 personal certificate; whether you must also hold a BRL 100 or STEK company certificate yourself is less clearly settled than some sources suggest. This article sets out the certification obligations and insurance considerations for sole proprietorships, with explicit hedging where the sources contradict each other.

F-gas product ban timeline: which refrigerant is still allowed in new equipment?

From which date may a refrigerant no longer be newly sold in new equipment? The product ban timeline from Annex IV of EU 2024/573, per equipment category.

Technician leaving employment: what do you need to arrange for certificates and the BRL 100 personnel file?

What happens to the BRL 200 F-gas certificate, the CRT/Vakpaspoort link, and your BRL 100 personnel file when a certified technician leaves employment, plus a checklist for departure and hiring a replacement.

F-gas fines: what are the amounts? (ILT rates at a glance)

What does working without an F-gas certificate really cost? The amounts the ILT applies, with source, plus why there is no fixed statutory rate.

PED pressure equipment inspection for refrigeration installations: when does it apply?

When does a refrigeration installation fall under the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and what does that mean for CE marking and inspection, separate from STEK and F-gases.

Does the air conditioning inspection obligation still exist in the Netherlands?

No — the periodic inspection obligation for air conditioning and heating systems in the Bbl lapsed as of 29 May 2026. What does remain in place, and what you may therefore no longer sell as a legal obligation.

BRL 100 vs ISO 9001 — do you need both?

ISO 9001 is a generic quality system, BRL 100 a sector-specific process certificate for refrigeration engineering. We explain the difference and whether one makes the other redundant.

What does a leak check by an external company cost?

There is no fixed price list for an external leak check. We list the cost factors: hourly rate, call-out fee, CO₂-eq category and number of installations per visit.

ATP inspection for refrigerated transport: complete checklist 2026

What is an ATP inspection, when is it mandatory, and what does the inspection body check? Step-by-step guide for refrigerated transport companies being inspected in 2026.

STEK annual report: when is the deadline?

When do you, as a STEK participant, have to submit your annual report? There is no fixed nationally published date — here's how you avoid missing it anyway.

CO alarm check vs official CO inspection: the difference

Testing a CO alarm is something completely different from an official, certified CO inspection of the gas combustion installation — this article explains the difference and helps installation companies prevent confusion among customers.

Chain liability when subcontracting in refrigeration engineering

Do you work with self-employed contractors or subcontractors? Chain liability can leave you on the hook for their payroll taxes. Here's how you limit the risk with a g-rekening.

Checking a refrigerant charge without a scale — is that possible?

Pressure/temperature tables, superheat/subcooling and the sight glass: three ways to check a charge without a scale — and their limitations.

Heat pump subsidy (ISDE): conditions and what you as an installer need to supply

ISDE subsidy for a heat pump: what conditions does RVO set, what do you as an installer need to supply, and what changes from 2026 for split heat pumps?

BRL 6000-25 vs BRL K25000 vs BRL SI-6025 (CO-Keur): the three routes compared

There are three recognised BRL routes to the mandatory CO competence certificate — 6000-25, K25000 and SI-6025 (CO-Keur) — and they differ substantially in scope (particularly CLV systems), target audience and audit format. This article sets them side by side so you can choose the right route for your company.

Warranty period for a refrigeration installation: what does the law say?

No fixed statutory warranty period for installation work, but there is a standard of proper performance (art. 7:750 et seq. BW). The difference with manufacturer's and contractual warranty set out.

What happens if your STEK certificate is suspended or withdrawn?

STEK's sanction procedure — from critical non-conformity via written warning and suspension to withdrawal of the company certificate — with the exact periods, consequences for your services, and how to lift a suspension.

Transferring a BRL 100 certificate in a business takeover or merger

There is no publicly available, BRL 100-specific procedure for transferring a certificate in a takeover or merger; based on KVK rules around KvK numbers and the general Kiwa certification regulations, this article gives a conditional assessment and a step-by-step plan, with the explicit recommendation to consult your own certifying body.

STEK modules explained: Module A, B, C, D and E — which do you need?

Explanation of the full STEK module structure (A, A/Transport, B, C, D and E) — which module belongs to which type of refrigeration work, how you combine them, and how you determine which one your company needs.

What does a STEK certificate cost? Cost structure and requesting quotes

STEK company certification has no fixed, public price list — the costs are determined per company on a quotation basis by Kiwa or SGS INTRON. This article explains which factors determine the price and how to draw up a realistic budget.

BRL 100 entry assessment: how do you apply for a certificate for the first time?

How do you apply for a BRL 100 certificate for the first time as a not-yet-certified company? We walk through the process step by step: from intake and entry assessment to the provisional and definitive certificate.

What does and doesn't fall under the BRL 100 certification scope?

A concrete overview of which installation types, refrigerants and activities do fall within the BRL 100 scope (refrigeration installations, air conditioning, heat pumps, mobile applications) and which situations probably fall outside it, such as work on your own installations without external customers.

Can you still top up with R-410A or other high-GWP refrigerants after the ban?

R-410A (GWP 2,088) is not covered by the top-up ban under Article 13 of the F-gas Regulation, which applies to virgin refrigerant with GWP 2,500+ (such as R-404A, R-507A). Note: since the revision (Regulation (EU) 2024/573, which replaced Regulation (EU) 517/2014), this ban no longer applies only above 40 tonnes CO₂-eq — that threshold has been dropped. Since 1 January 2025 (refrigeration installations) and 2026 (air conditioning/heat pumps), the ban applies to installations of any size, with an exception for recycled/reclaimed refrigerant until around 2030 (refrigeration) and 2032 (air conditioning/heat pumps) respectively.

What needs to be in an RI&E for a refrigeration company?

What the Arbowet legally requires of an RI&E, which refrigeration-specific risks belong in it, when assessment is mandatory, and which fines apply for a missing or outdated RI&E.

What should you pay a refrigeration technician? Cao pay scales explained

Refrigeration engineering falls under the cao Technisch Installatiebedrijf. Which salary group belongs to which role, how function years are counted (differently from years of service), and what the 2026 and 2027 tables say.

VOG for technicians in refrigeration engineering: when is it requested, when is it mandatory?

A VOG is not a legal requirement for refrigeration engineering technicians, but clients and employers can still require it. This article explains the difference between a legal VOG requirement, a contractual requirement and the Gedragsverklaring Aanbesteden.