IN AN effort to combat R410A counterfeiters and protect its customers, refrigerant producer Honeywell has introduced a new certification programme for Chinese air-conditioner manufacturers. As holders of worldwide patents for R410A, Honeywell's new scheme identifies the manufacturers as licensed users of the refrigerant purchased from licensed suppliers.
As part of the certification, Honeywell will recommend these Chinese equipment makers to key buyers in Europe. Leading Chinese appliance manufacturers Haier and Hisense are the first to join the programme.


Last month, ACR News reported on Honeywell's legal action against several Chinese exhibitors at the German IKK 2006 exhibition who were found offering unlicensed R410A for sale. German court bailiffs removed product and promotional material from the stands and the infringing companies were forced to sign agreements not to sell or promote the product in the future.

Honeywell points out that Chinese air conditioner and heat pump manufacturers who incorporate unlicensed R410A and the purchasers of this equipment face a range of business risks, from confiscation and destruction of equipment to monetary penalties.

Honeywell invented and patented R410A and its use in air conditioning and other applications. This technological innovation has since become the globally accepted standard for use in new residential and light-commercial air conditioning systems.