AN UPDATE ON FLUOROCARBONS

EFCTC response to EIA report on the illegal import of HFCs into the European Union

The European FluoroCarbons Technical Committee welcomes the report by the Environmental Investigation Agency on the illegal import of HFCs into the European Union. This report complements the work that is being carried out by EFCTC in raising awareness on this issue and its consequences.

In response to rapid emergence of illegal traffic of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs- or refrigerants) across the European Union, EFCTC, European Fluorocarbons Technical Committee, a Sector group of Cefic, 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 (in any language) alleged suspect HFC offerings confidentially to a trusted and independent contractor. Full details of how to access the “Action Line” can be found at:
https://efctc.integrityline.org .

The use of the Action Line will be confidential and independently operated by a specialized consultant that has considerable investigative experience in identifying illegal trade.

“Illegal trade of HFCs is a critical issue that has important environmental, safety and economic consequences which impacts the implementation of the F - Gas Regulation and market stability in Europe,” stated Nick Campbell, Chairman of EFCTC.

“The European Union is leading the global phase-down of HFCs and must maintain this lead and demonstrate to other countries that the actions it is taking are compatible with maintaining the health and social benefits provided by refrigeration, air-conditioning and insulation industries. Clearly, illegal imports of HFCs undermine this goal.”

EFCTC expects that its recently launched the “Action Line” enabling everyone to report suspect activity will produce leads that will create a more detailed picture of the illegal HFCs supply chain, which can be shared with the EU/national authorities.

“Much remains to be done to increase the awareness on the consequences on the illegal trade in the user community, for example automotive air conditioning workshops, small-medium size retailers”, added Nick Campbell.