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

Customs seize 60 cylinders of smuggled refrigerant

BULGARIA: Customs officers have seized 60 cylinders of refrigerant found in a van at the Malko Tarnovo customs office in southeastern Bulgaria, on the border with Turkey.

The Mercedes-Benz van, driven by a Bulgarian citizen, was crossing from Turkey to Bulgaria on Tuesday (Dec 10). While the driver and his companion stated that they had nothing to declare, customs officers found 60 cylinders of two different types of refrigerant totalling 634.5kg. 

The customs office statement does not identify the refrigerants involved but states that they did not comply with the European F-gas regulations (517/2014). 

The smuggled refrigerant and the vehicle used to carry it were seized, along with 100kg of undeclared hookah tobacco which was also discovered. 

Latest News

14th October 2026

Space Engineering acquired by German group

UK: Bristol-based Space Engineering Services has been acquired by Bluu Unit, the German group of refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation firms.
14th October 2026

French cyber agency warns of further attacks

FRANCE: The French government's national cybersecurity agency ANSSI has warned that attack campaigns are likely still underway targeting refrigeration equipment.
14th October 2026

Daikin opens expanded US Modular Solutions site

USA: Daikin Applied has opened its newly expanded 17,750m2 Modular Solutions facility in Phoenix.
14th October 2026

Arkema launches new R134a replacement

FRANCE: Arkema has announced the release of R516A, a new, lower GWP refrigerant replacement for R134a in HVAC and cooling applications.
13th October 2026

Hitachi launches Air365 Max (Pro) R32 VRF

GERMANY: Launched at this week’s Chillventa show, Air365 Max (Pro) is Hitachi’s latest VRF system for commercial projects and using R32 refrigerant.
13th October 2026

Panasonic adds compact R290 heat pumps

GERMANY:  Panasonic has introduced new compact residential indoor and outdoor units to its Aquarea M Series of R290 air-to-water heat pumps.