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

EFCTC steps up action against illegal refrigerants

BELGIUM: EFCTC, the refrigerant producers group, reports over 150 leads received by the confidential Action Line set up to combat the illegal trade in HFCs.

With recent seizures in Bulgaria, Greece, Poland and Romania, discussions are also being held with national enforcement authorities that is hoped to lead to both further seizures of illegally imported HFCs as well as the prosecutions of offenders. 

One of the main routes of entry into the European Union has been the sale of HFCs in disposable cylinders, which are illegal in the EEU. Investigations into this trade is said to have led to over 180 take-downs of products from the internet.

“It is vital that we continue and step up actions against illegal trade in HFCs.” stressed EFCTC chairman Nick Campbell. 

The Action Line was opened in March and is operated on EFCTC’s behalf by the EQS Group. It promises that anyone is able to report suspicious activities easily, in confidence, and anonymously, if desired.

It was introduced to counter the considerable black market in refrigerants, created by huge price increases and product scarcity in Europe brought on by the HFC phase down.

The Action Line can be accessed here.

Related stories:

EFCTC introduces illegal refrigerant reporting “hotline” – 19 March 2019
EUROPE: Illegal refrigerant imports and sales activity in Europe can now be easily reported, and in confidence, through a new website established by the refrigerant producers group EFCTC. Read more…

Latest News

11th July 2025

Single valve for legacy refrigerants and A2L

DENMARK: The Universal TR6 thermostatic expansion valve from Danfoss is designed as a single valve solution for legacy refrigerants as well as A2L and low-GWP alternatives.
11th July 2025

Six selected for WorldSkills UK finals

UK: Six young representatives of the RACHP industry will battle it out in the WorldSkills UK national finals in November.
11th July 2025

Arneg acquires Frigomeccanica

ITALY: Commercial refrigeration manufacturer Arneg has acquired  fellow Italian company Frigomeccanica Srl, a specialist in ice cream display freezers, pastry showcases and deli and supermarket displays.
10th July 2025

Mitsubishi expands M series splits

UK: Mitsubishi Electric has launched the MSZ-RZ R290, a new addition to its M Series range of split systems.
10th July 2025

Climalife chills with the experts

UK: Luke Haile, silver medal winner in refrigeration and air conditioning at WorldSkills 2024, is interviewed in the first of a new series of podcasts by Climalife UK.
10th July 2025

TEV appoints Chandrakumara as commercial director

UK: Yorkshire-based TEV Ltd, manufacturer of Marstair and Quartz brand HVAC equipment, has appointed Nuwan Chandrakumara as commercial director –refrigeration.