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

Illegal refrigerant will be destroyed

BULGARIA: The Bulgarian Customs Agency has announced that the seized refrigerant it was seeking to auction will now be destroyed.

A statement on the agency’s website indicates that no written bids were received by the close of business on Friday for the 977 cylinders of R404A and R410A.

The statement says: “Due to the absence of applicants who purchased documents for participation in the auction procedure in the specified period-21.06.2009, the auction ends without realising a sale, as the goods remain in the Customs Agency and are subject to destruction in compliance with regulatory and environmental requirements.”

There have been no further comments from either the Bulgarian Customs Agency or the European Commission, and it is unclear at this time whether the decision is the result of international pressure. However, the Cooling Post had previously been told that the refrigerant would be the subject of three sales before destruction.

The refrigerant was from a seized shipment from Serbia in 2017. The consignment documentation falsely claimed that the refrigerant was isobutane.

Outside of the F-gas quota system and contained in illegal disposable cylinders, its proposed sale attracted disbelief and anger in the air conditioning and refrigeration community.

Related stories:

Bulgarian customs to auction illegal refrigerant – 21 June 2019
BULGARIA: Over 10 tonnes of seized refrigerant, imported outside of the EU quota system in illegal disposable cylinders, is to be auctioned to the general public by Bulgarian customs authorities. Read more…

Latest News

14th December 2025

US fruit grower agrees $262,971 fine for ammonia violations

USA: A California-based fresh fruit grower, packer and shipper has agreed to pay a penalty of $262,971 for ammonia safety-related violations. 
14th December 2025

When glycol loops go bad

David McKune, corporate account manager of Ecolab EU, a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services discusses the hidden risks of ignoring coolant health in…
13th December 2025

Danfoss US opens test lab for refrigeration OEMs

USA: Danfoss has opened an additional chamber in its Application Development Centre (ADC) in Tallahassee, Florida, specifically for OEMs to test their food retail and commercial refrigeration equipment.
12th December 2025

Daikin set to buy Vietnamese BMS provider

JAPAN/VIETNAM: Daikin has reached a basic agreement to acquire Anh Nguyen Trading Technical Service a leading instrumentation system integrator in Vietnam.
12th December 2025

IOR appoints training and skills guru

UK: The Institute of Refrigeration has appointed consultant Matt Harvey as its new education outreach manager to lead initiatives with schools, vocational colleges, and employers. 
11th December 2025

US uncovers refrigerant smuggling conspiracy

USA: Authorities in the USA have discovered a conspiracy to unlawfully remove customs seals and smuggle at least $200m of goods including bulk refrigerant.