Illegal Refrigerant Trade: Trends and Risks for the HVAC/R Sector
The EIA updates its data on the illegal trade in refrigerants, highlighting safety, compliance, and climate impacts for the HVAC/R supply chain.
The Environmental Investigation Agency ( EIA ) has published the ninth issue of its Illegal Trade Bulletin, updating data on the illicit trade in controlled refrigerants . Since April 22, 2025, over 320 cases have been reported in 18 countries, involving more than 751,222 kg of controlled substances. These data confirm that trafficking in unauthorized refrigerants is a widespread and growing phenomenon, posing concrete risks to regulatory compliance, plant safety, and decarbonization goals. (zerosottozero.it)
The report highlights that the illegal trade mainly concerns high-GWP HFCs, whose irregular circulation undermines emissions reduction efforts and hinders the adoption of more sustainable refrigerants.
Concrete cases and global impacts
The bulletin documents seizures and operations in various countries:
- In Poland , at the border crossing with Belarus, modified cylinders transported HFC‑404A and R‑134a;
- In Bulgaria , over 1,500 cylinders were seized and four people arrested;
- In Greece , a criminal organization was dismantled for illicit trafficking from Albania;
- In the United States , an attempt to import 4,480 kg of HFC-23 was blocked by authorities.
These incidents demonstrate that the phenomenon is not limited to individual countries, but constitutes a transnational problem with impacts on security, legality, and the climate.
Causes and dynamics of the illicit market
Illegal trade in refrigerants is fueled by several factors: rising prices for fluorinated gases , quota regimes and regulatory restrictions (e.g. EU F-Gas), and ineffective customs controls . The main consequences for the HVAC/R sector include:
- Risks of legal non-compliance, with the use of non-certified gases;
- Operational hazards, as counterfeit refrigerants can compromise the integrity of systems and increase the risk of failure or leaks;
- Obstacle to the transition to sustainable refrigerants, slowing the adoption of low-GWP solutions.
These factors underscore the need for a traceable and controlled supply chain, specialized training, and rigorous refrigerant management protocols.
Challenges and opportunities for the supply chain
For installers, maintenance technicians, manufacturers, and distributors, combating illicit trade means not only ensuring regulatory compliance but also protecting operational safety and corporate reputation . A prepared supply chain can transform this challenge into an opportunity through:
- implementation of refrigerant traceability systems;
- continuous updating of technical and regulatory skills;
- adoption of certified natural or low GWP refrigerants;
- consulting and audit services for customers and partners.
In summary, constant monitoring, training, and the adoption of safe technologies are essential to reduce risks, protect the environment, and ensure the sustainability of the HVAC/R industry.
Related Focus
FAQ
Rising HFC prices, reduced F-Gas quotas, and the difficulty in sourcing low-GWP refrigerants favor unofficial channels. Demand for refrigeration and air conditioning equipment continues to grow, creating economic incentives for untraceable supplies or illegal imports.
Risks include compressor failure, charge loss, reduced efficiency, incompatibility with existing components and refrigerants, increased consumption, and maintenance difficulties. Furthermore, the use of counterfeit gases can compromise recovery and regeneration, reducing sustainability and increasing operating costs.
It is essential to purchase only from verified suppliers, check documentation, certifications, and traceability, train technicians in refrigerant identification, and implement internal verification procedures. Recovery, registration, and regeneration must be managed according to F-Gas guidelines to maintain regulatory compliance.
