World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Baltic states hit by illegal imports

The Bridge of Friendship over the Narova River is one of the links between Estonia and Russia.

EUROPE: The illegal import of refrigerants in disposable cylinders continue with the Baltic states adding to the outcry.

In Estonia, the customs authority reports “a significant increase” in the number of attempts to import refrigerant from outside the EU. Lithuania is also being hit, with reports that its exchequer has lost up to €5m this year due to increased sales of illegal refrigerants.

The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (NTD) reports that this year there have already more than 200 attempts to bring illegal cylinders across the border from Russia. According to the NTD, there were virtually no such occurrences last year.

“In all these cases, we notified people about the safety requirements for this product and sent the goods back to the Russian Federation,” commented Videmar Linno, the head of the customs point at Ida on the Russian border. “In the case of repeated attempts, we, in addition to confiscation, have the right to impose a fine of up to €1,200,” he added.

Internet sales

Reports from neighbouring Lithuania echo concerns from the rest of Europe regarding internet sales of refrigerant in illegal non-refillable cylinders at lower than market prices. 

According to reports on the 15 min website, the Lithuanian budget has already lost €3m-€5m this year due to increased sales of illegal refrigerants.

Aware that individuals selling illegal refrigerant is not new, Mindaugas Rutkauskas of refrigerant distributors association Freolitus, said: “However, lately, the situation is really worrying since the number of such people has increased significantly.” He also expressed concern that these sales were completely open and, apparently, uncontrolled.

Related stories:

AREA raises illegal refrigerant concern21 August 2018
BELGIUM: AREA has raised concerns about illegal imports and black market trade in refrigerants in a submission to the European Commission. Read more…

Phase down sparks rise in illegal sales – 21 March 2018
EUROPE: With the F-gas regulations beginning to bite and higher GWP refrigerants becoming expensive and scarce, evidence of illegal imports and sales is increasing. Read more…

ICOOL acts on illegal refrigerant sales – 10 August 2018
CHINA: Chinese refrigerant supplier ICOOL has taken swift action after finding its refrigerant was being sold in illegal disposable cylinders in the EU. Read more…

German eBay awash with illegal R134a – 30 July 2018
GERMANY: With European authorities still reluctant to recognise the extent of illegal refrigerant sales, the Cooling Post has uncovered large amounts of illegal R134a being sold in Germany. Read more…

Poland swamped by illegal refrigerant – 25 July 2018
POLAND: A leading refrigerants organisation has reported a “massive inflow” of illegal HFCs into Poland. Read more…

Illegal refrigerant costs Greece €20m – 23 July 2018
GREECE: The Greek air conditioning and refrigeration industry has accused EU member state Bulgaria as being a gateway for illegal refrigerant from Albania, Macedonia and Turkey. Read more…

Cantas “shock” at illegal imports – 13 July 2018
TURKEY: Istanbul-based refrigerant supplier Cantas has reacted with shock to learn that its refrigerant is being imported into the UK in illegal non-refillable cylinders. Read more…

Latest News

27th March 2024

Daikin redesigns Perfera R32 air conditioner

BELGIUM: Daikin Europe has announced a next generation All Seasons Perfera R32 air conditioner with redesigned indoor and outdoor units, making them easy to install and use.
27th March 2024

Press fittings go large

UK: Conex Bänninger has expanded its >B< MaxiPro range of press fittings with the addition of a 1⅝in fitting.
27th March 2024

Distilling the zero carbon benefits of heat pumps

IRELAND: An Irish distiller is now producing carbon neutral whiskeys following the installation of high temperature heat pumps from Finnish manufacturer Oilon.
27th March 2024

Daikin acquires Danish distributor

DENMARK: Daikin has acquired its Danish HVAC distributor BKF-Klima A/S from Swedish refrigeration and air conditioning wholesaler Beijer Ref.
26th March 2024

Low carbon specialist moves to new premises

UK: Strong growth has prompted Hull-based BREng, the building services company specialising in low-carbon air conditioning and heat pump projects, to move to new offices in the city centre.
26th March 2024

RSL acquired by Belgian insulation company IPCOM

UK/IRELAND/BELGIUM: RSL Group, the long-established UK and Ireland refrigeration and air conditioning distributor, has been acquired by IPCOM, a Belgium-based distributor and converter of technical insulation.