BRL 100 certification man at airconditioning unit
DEKRA Audit Netherlands

Do you work with F-gases? Then BRL 100 certification is legally required

BRL 100 certification

The mandatory certification for working with f-gases, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, or ammonia

Do you work with F-gases, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, or ammonia? Then you are legally required to possess the BRL 100 certification. This certification demonstrates that you work according to current guidelines. Especially installation and inspection companies dealing with air conditioning units, heat pumps and cooling systems must be able to present the BRL 100 certificate. The BRL 100 assessment guideline was updated in 2025. With the publication of version 3.0, not only have various requirements within the regulation been amended, but its scope has also been expanded.

What is the BRL 100?

The BRL 100 certification is an assessment guideline that is mandatory for companies that work with F-gases, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, or ammonia, such as refrigeration systems, air conditioning and heat pumps. The guideline was created to ensure that companies handle these fluorinated greenhouse gases, which can be harmful to the ozone layer and the environment, in a safe and responsible manner.
The BRL 100 assessment guideline describes describes how companies should perform the work and what measures they should take to prevent leaks and ensure safety. It is therefore essential to apply for BRL 100 in time, to ensure that you comply with regulations and strengthen your reputation as a responsible service provider. This makes BRL 100 an important part of your broader quality management.
BRL 100 certification: legally mandatory
It is crucial for both people and the environment to work safely with F-gases. These fluorinated greenhouse gases can damage the ozone layer and amplify the greenhouse effect. Therefore, significant developments have taken place in legislation and regulations:
  • 2015: The mandatory assessment guideline was established for the first time, based on European Union regulations.
  • 2019: The initial guidelines were revised, resulting in the assessment guideline BRL 100 version 2.0.
  • 2025: Publication of BRL 100 version 3.0.
  • 2026: There will be a transition period. Starting August 31, 2026, companies will be certified according to the new guidelines.

BRL 100 Version 3.0: get certified on time

With the introduction of BRL 100 version 3.0, the requirements for companies working with F-gases, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, or ammonia are changing significantly. This new assessment guideline was adopted in 2025 and will formally take effect on August 31, 2026, with a transition period during which organizations must adapt to the stricter rules.
It is therefore important to take action and thoroughly prepare your certification process. By starting now, you can prevent delays in your business operations and ensure continuity once the new regulations take effect.

Expansion of the scope of application

Whereas BRL 100 previously focused primarily on work involving fluorinated greenhouse gases, the scope of the regulation has been Expanded in version 3.0. The BRL now also applies to work involving natural refrigerants, such as:
  • Ammonia (NH3);
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2);
  • Hydrocarbons.
In addition, alternative fire extinguishing agents, reefers (containers), refrigerated railcars, and certain mobile vehicles with refrigeration applications now also fall under the updated assessment guideline. This means that organizations that previously had no, or only partial, involvement with BRL 100 may now be subject to the certification requirement.

How does the BRL 100 certification work?

Application and Audit

Upon assignment for BRL 100 certification, DEKRA will schedule an audit date. During the audit, we will review your technicians’ individual BRL 200 certificates to determine whether they are appropriate for the specific areas in which your organization operates.
You can find the latest information about BRL 100 3.0, prepared by Rijkswaterstaat, via this link. Here you can view the complete guideline for free, which describes in detail what BRL 100 3.0 entails and what you need.

Temporary and permanent certificate

Following a positive assessment from the initial audit, you will receive a temporary BRL 100 certificate valid for 6 months. With this temporary certificate, you can purchase refrigerants. Within 6 months, we will conduct another inspection, reviewing project assessments at your location. If these are also approved, you will receive a permanent BRL 100 certificate valid for two years.

Follow-up audits

To maintain the BRL 100 certificate, biennial audits are conducted, evaluating both the system and projects. The duration of an audit depends on the number of refrigeration technicians, the activities (sub-areas) for which you are certified, as well as factors such as the number of locations.

What do you need for the BRL 100 certificate?

  • Certification agreement
    A signed certification agreement with a Certifying Body (CB), which at DEKRA is part of the quotation.
  • Calibrated tools
    The correct, calibrated measuring instruments in accordance with the latest version of BRL 100:
    • Manometers;
    • Thermometers;
    • Vacuum gauges;
    • Leak detectors;
    • Scales (must comply with metrology laws)
  • Digital admin (optional)
    Online administration (not mandatory), tailored to your situation. There are software programs available for this purpose.

The benefits you get from BRL 100 certification

By applying for and obtaining BRL 100 certification, you not only comply with legal requirements, but also benefit from the following benefits:
  • A BRL 100 certification ensures a safe working environment for you (and your staff).
  • With a BRL 100 certification, you demonstrate your contribution to a healthier environment.
  • With a BRL 100 certification, you demonstrate compliance with the latest standards and legislation.
  • Having a BRL 100 certificate prepares you well for inspections by the ILT (Inspection for Environment and Transport).
  • With a BRL 100 certificate, as a business owner, you can purchase products containing refrigerants from a wholesaler.

Purpose of BRL 100 certificate: preventing F-gases leakage and ensure safety

The purpose of BRL 100 certification is to prevent refrigerant leaks and to ensure the safety of those performing the work and the surrounding area. The requirements of BRL 100 focus on taking precautions when working with these substances. We are all becoming increasingly aware of the harmful effects of ozone-depleting gases. As a result, laws and regulations are constantly being tightened.
Why obtain BRL 100 certificate at DEKRA?
Personal approach

We combine a personal approach with detailed knowledge of standards and legal requirements.

Knowledge and experience

You always acquire the necessary knowledge. Our auditors have experience in the field and speak the language of your company.

Efficient and cost-conscious

With DEKRA you enter into a certification process efficiently and cost-consciously. DEKRA can conduct audits for various schemes at your company.

Request quote for BRL 100 certificate

As a business owner, if you do not yet have a BRL 100 certificate, we advise you to take action as soon as possible to meet legal requirements. Only then are you allowed to perform installation and inspection work for your clients. DEKRA auditors are available to discuss your BRL 100 application and answer any questions you may have about BRL 100 certification. Request a non-binding quote now.
Do you have a question? Get in touch with one of our experts