Italian customs intercept banned R22 refrigerant

ITALY: Customs authorities in Palermo have intercepted a shipment of refrigerant, including the banned HCFC R22, from Tunisia.

A brief note by the ADM, Italy’s customs and monopoly agency, reveals that 11 cylinders of refrigerant in illegal disposable cylinders were seized from persons travelling from Tunisia to the island of Sicily. The seizure was carried out in collaboration with the Guardia di Finanza, Italy’s ministry of economy and finance police force.

The seizure included two cylinders of R22, an HCFC refrigerant banned in Europe since 2010, as well as cylinders of R134a, R410A and R404A.

The Italian authorities say those responsible for bringing the gas into the country face three months to nine months prison or a fine from €50,000 to €150,000.