European Fluorocarbon Producers Sponsor Illegal Trade Action Line
In response to rapid emergence of illegal traffic of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs- or refrigerants) across the European Union, the European trade association of fluorocarbon producers has launched a programme to fight against this illegal trade. One of its features include an “Action Line” that will permit any individual to report alleged suspect HFC offerings confidentially to a trusted and independent contractor.
In application of Regulation (EU) N° 517/2014 the EU Commission installed a phase-down programme for HFCs. Companies have been required to gradually reduce the placing on the EU market HFCs and were allocated individual quotas by the authorities. The enforcement of the Regulation was delegated to Member States. This Regulation has been instrumental in the fight against climate change.
As a consequence of this EU programme and its application by companies, the quantity of HFCs, is progressively reduced by 2030. In 2018, the first major reduction (37 percent vs baseline) took effect. Unfortunately, this has triggered illegal imports and trafficking in the EU.
In order to assist the EU and Member States EFCTC has engaged the services of a specialized consultant that has considerable experience in identifying illegal trade.
Through an Action Line powered by EQS, a leading provider of digital compliance solutions, anyone can report a suspicious offering of HFCs in full confidence using a webform (in any language).
The results of this program will create a more detailed picture of the illegal HFCs supply chain which can be shared with the EU/national authorities.
Use of the Action Line will be confidential and independently operated by the consultant. EFCTC members will have no access whatsoever to individual reports that come into the Action Line. If desired, anyone reporting a suspect offering can remain anonymous, but the consultant would prefer to have an opportunity to follow-up on a reported case. For more details on the Action Line please click this:
Learn more about the Broad Impact of Illegal HFCs Imports: Download the PDF