Over the last year there has been a rise in the unlawful imports of refrigerants, with restrictions being bypassed by criminals. The illegal gases are now making up more than 20 percent of the quota and exceeding the EU’s HFC cap. 

Mexichem has joined the European Fluorocarbons Technical Committee’s (EFCTC) efforts, launching its own campaign to warn the industry of the consequences of partaking in this trade. The penalties for usage of illegal HFC product include fines, criminal prosecution, damage to equipment and a long-lasting impact on any participating company’s reputation, not to mention potential injury, or even fatality, to users. 

The EFCTC’s programme to fight these imports includes an action line which allows individuals to report alleged suspect HFC offerings confidentially to a trusted and independent contractor. It is hoped that this programme will enable authorities access to a more detailed picture of the supply chain. 

Sarah Hughes, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India commercial director for Mexichem’s Fluor Business Group, explained: “There has been ongoing reports that show the importation of illegal refrigerants is still rife across Europe, with many governments and official bodies turning a blind eye, rather than working together to stop this extremely damaging trade. We are urging all customs officials and governing bodies to take action against the illegal importation of refrigerants and prevent inevitable environmental and safety issues.” 

Signs that a HFC product could be illegal include an unknown brand name, no quality certificate or safety data sheet (SDS) and no cylinder return process. 

Mexichem’s Klea refrigerants are supplied to major manufacturers and a large share of the aftermarket servicing sector across commercial refrigeration, automotive and stationary air conditioning applications.