From 31 December 2025 in both the UK and EU portable fire extinguishers containing Halon 1211 and Halon 2402 for cabin and crew compartment protection will no longer be permitted on aircraft. This is not a minor update; it is a regulatory requirement under Annex VI of Commission Regulation (EU) No 744/2010 and is retained in UK law.
Halon in fixed fire suppressant equipment has a decommission date of the end of 2040.
As a trusted partner in aviation compliance, we want to ensure that operators and owners are aware of this critical deadline. Acting now ensures safety, compliance and operational continuity.
What’s Changing?
- Deadline: 31 December 2025
- Scope: All portable fire extinguishers using Halon 1211 or 2402 for cabin and crew compartments
- Action Required: Replace, convert, or decommission these extinguishers by the deadline
- Licensing Impact: In the UK from January 2026, these halons will be removed from annual GB ODS multi-shipment licences
Why This Matters
Failure to comply could result in regulatory breaches, grounding of aircraft and reputational risk. The Environment Agency has made it clear: after the end date, halons cannot be used for this application, and extinguishers containing them must be decommissioned.
Top 10 Actions to Complete Before 31 December 2025
- Audit your fleet – Identify all portable extinguishers containing Halon 1211 or 2402.
- Confirm locations – Cabin and crew compartments are the focus of this ban.
- Engage suppliers – Check availability of approved non halon alternatives.
- Plan replacements – Schedule installation of compliant extinguishers.
- Update manuals – Revise aircraft documentation to reflect changes.
- Train crew – Ensure crew are familiar with new extinguisher types.
- Dispose responsibly – Arrange safe decommissioning of halon units.
- Check licensing – Prepare for removal of halons from ODS licences in 2026.
- Document compliance – Keep records for audits and regulatory checks.
Need Help?
Contact mfal@martynfiddler.com to ensure you meet the deadline with confidence.
Should you require further guidance, please see below, as outlined in November 2024, decommissioning requirement notice:
The complete schedule for the decommissioning of halon 1211 and 2402 can be found in Commission Regulation (EU) No 744/2010 here Commission Regulation (EU) No 744/2010
You may also refer to GOV.UK guidance in relation to permitted critical uses of halons and the deadlines for decommissioning of halons here Critical Uses of Halons (GOV.UK)
Consult your product manufacturer and/or supplier for information on alternatives.
Additional assistance can be provided from the UK Environment Agency F-Gas and ODS team
at f-gassupport@environment-agency.gov.uk
