Illegal trade in fluorinated refrigerants: a threat to the refrigeration sector

The illegal trade in fluorinated refrigerants (F-gases) represents a growing problem for the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. In recent years, the progressive reduction of HFC quotas required by European legislation and the rising prices of these refrigerants have created favorable conditions for the development of illicit trafficking along the supply chain.

This phenomenon not only puts the environment at risk but can also compromise the safety of systems , the correct functioning of equipment, and the competitiveness of companies in the HVAC/R sector.

Carabinieri checks on F-gases

In recent months , a national campaign of controls on fluorinated gases has been conducted in Italy by the Investigative Units of the Environmental, Agri-food and Forestry Police (NIPAAF) of the Carabinieri.

The operation involved hundreds of military personnel and led to numerous inspections of companies and operators in the refrigeration supply chain. The results of the operations revealed:

• 66 administrative sanctions
• 25 seizures of refrigerant gas
• Ten individuals reported to the judicial authorities for alleged violations related to the illicit management of these substances.

The irregularities found mainly concern deficiencies in the traceability of refrigerants , incomplete documentation , violations of operator certification obligations and product labelling problems.

Why illegal refrigerant trafficking is growing

The phenomenon of illegal trade in HFCs is closely linked to the evolution of European regulations . The F-Gas regulation provides for a progressive reduction in the quotas of HFCs available on the market, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions .

This reduction in availability, combined with rising prices on the European market, has created an imbalance compared to non-EU countries , where refrigerants can be purchased at significantly lower costs. In some cases, prices in Europe are up to eight times higher, thus encouraging the entry of non-compliant products into the supply chain.

In addition to the environmental risks, illegal trafficking distorts the conditions of competition between companies in the RACHP (Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps) sector, penalizing operators who comply with the regulations.

A risk for safety, the environment and the market

The use of non-compliant refrigerants can pose several risks to the industry. Gases from illegal or uncertified sources can compromise the performance, energy efficiency, and reliability of systems , generating additional maintenance or equipment replacement costs.

For this reason, industry associations emphasize the importance of strengthening controls and ensuring compliance with European regulations throughout the entire supply chain, from production to distribution to final use of refrigerants.

In a context of transition towards low-climate impact refrigerants, combating illegal trafficking of F-gases becomes essential to protect the market, plant safety, and European environmental objectives.