Why Certification is Required
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the sale of refrigerants under the Clean Air Act. Only certified technicians or businesses purchasing for certified employees may legally buy refrigerants like R-134a.
This ensures refrigerants are handled by trained professionals who understand proper recovery, recycling, and environmental protection procedures.
EPA Section 608 (HVAC Technicians)
Section 608 certification applies to technicians who service or repair stationary refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, such as:
- Commercial refrigeration systems
- Building HVAC systems
- Industrial cooling equipment
- Chillers and cooling towers
Types of Section 608 certification:
- Type I: Small appliances (less than 5 lbs of refrigerant)
- Type II: High-pressure systems (most common for HVAC)
- Type III: Low-pressure systems
- Universal: All types (Type I, II, and III combined)
EPA Section 609 (Automotive A/C Technicians)
Section 609 certification applies to technicians who service motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems, including:
- Cars and trucks
- SUVs and vans
- Fleet vehicles
- Any vehicle with an A/C system
R-134a is the most common refrigerant used in automotive A/C systems, so Section 609 certification is required for auto techs purchasing R-134a.
How to Get Certified
If you're not yet certified, here's how to obtain your EPA certification:
Section 608 Certification
- Study materials available from EPA-approved training providers
- Pass a proctored exam administered by an EPA-approved organization
- Exam covers refrigerant handling, recovery, safety, and regulations
- Certification is valid for life (no renewal required)
Section 609 Certification
- Shorter, more focused exam compared to Section 608
- Available through EPA-approved testing organizations
- Covers MVAC-specific refrigerant handling and recovery
- Certification is valid for life
Popular certification providers: ESCO Institute, RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society), Mainstream Engineering, and others.
What You Need to Provide When Ordering
To complete your R-134a purchase, you'll need to show proof of certification:
For Individual Buyers:
- Your EPA Section 608 or 609 certification card
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
For Company Buyers:
- Company letter on letterhead confirming you're purchasing for certified employees
- OR individual certification card from the person picking up/receiving the order
✓ Verification Process
We verify certification before completing orders. You can provide your certification info:
- During pickup (bring your card)
- Via WhatsApp or email (photo/scan of card)
- During the quote request (mention your cert number)
This is a quick, one-time step to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be certified if I'm buying for my company?
Yes, either you must be certified, or your company must confirm that the refrigerant will be used by certified employees. A company letter on letterhead works for this purpose.
Can I buy R-134a for personal use?
Personal use still requires certification. Even if you're working on your own vehicle or HVAC system, EPA regulations require Section 608 or 609 certification to purchase refrigerants.
What if my certification card is expired?
EPA Section 608 and 609 certifications do not expire. Once you're certified, it's valid for life. If your card is lost, you can request a replacement from the organization that issued it.
Is certification required for all refrigerants?
Yes, EPA regulations apply to all refrigerants, including R-134a, R-410A, R-22, and others. The type of certification needed (608 vs. 609) depends on the type of equipment being serviced.
Questions About Certification?
If you have questions about which certification you need or how to provide proof, give us a call or WhatsApp. We're here to help ensure a smooth, compliant transaction.