Italian authorities to fight illegal F-gas trade

ITALY: Authorities in Italy have reached agreement to co-ordinate surveillance and combat the illegal trade in F-gases.

The recent agreement formalised the establishment of a roundtable between Italy’s Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), and the Command of the Forest, Environmental and Agri-food (CUFAA), a specialised unit of the Italian police force.

Italy is considered to be one of the countries on the frontline of the illegal smuggling of refrigerant gases into the EU in contravention of the European F-gas regulations.

The work of the roundtable will include control activities, their improvement through new methodologies and tools, the development of a network of technical analysis laboratories, the exchange of data and information, the planning of control and repression campaigns, and training and awareness-raising initiatives.

MASE minister Gilberto Pichetto commented: “The signed agreement consolidates the institutional alliance, promoting more effective oversight, greater environmental protection, and a clearer framework for businesses that operate in compliance with the regulations.” 

“The Customs and Monopolies Agency plays a central role in safeguarding economic and environmental legality, overseeing trade flows and resolutely combating fraud that distorts the market and damages the environment,” stated 

ADM director Roberto Alesse stated: “The permanent roundtable represents a highly important operational tool, strengthening interinstitutional co-ordination, leveraging the agency’s specialised expertise, and making controls more effective along the F-gas supply chain. 

“Through structured data exchange, technological innovation, and cooperation with MASE and the Carabinieri, ADM helps ensure compliance with European regulations, protecting the environment, and ensuring fair competition for economic operators who act properly.”

Lieutenant general Fabrizio Parrulli, commander of the Carabinieri Forestry, Environmental, and Agri-food Units, said he believed the signing of the agreement would significantly strengthen the national system for preventing and combating illicit F-gas trafficking. 

“Structured information sharing and joint planning of control activities are essential tools for detecting violations and ensuring compliance with the new European provisions,” he added.

“This agreement represents a strategic step for CUFAA to support the progressive phase-out of high-impact F-gases and support the transition to more sustainable solutions, in compliance with current regulations and in the interests of present and future generations.”