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A BLACK market in banned ozone-depleting gases could thrive following their Europe-wide phase-out, the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has warned.

Cannisters of HCFC-22 © EIA Cannister of CFC smuggled in a tea chest. © EIA

A recent summit in Brussels, Belgium, convened by EIA has brought together representatives from the chemicals industry, World Customs Organisation, the European Commission, United Nations Environment Programme, and customs and ozone officers from all over Europe to discuss and take action against the increased threat of illegal trade in ozone depleting substances.

Experts from the chemicals industry warned that many European companies are unprepared for the ban on the use of virgin hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Under revised EC regulations only reclaimed and recovered HCFCs will be permitted when servicing equipment after 1st Jan 2010.

'Stage is set.'

“The sense of urgency among end users is low due to two factors- confusing deadlines coupled with the false hope that reclaimed HCFCs will be plentiful and easy to obtain. Users should immediately plan to retrofit /refit their installations to use alternatives or accelerate their transition plans to new systems.” Said Pascal Faidy Head of European Sales and Marketing for DuPont

EIA is concerned that the stage is set for a repetition of the illegal smuggling of CFCs which occurred in Europe during the late nineties. Despite strict regulations in Europe demand for CFCs remained high. EIA investigations at the time revealed that large quantities of contraband CFCs were being smuggled into Europe from China, where CFCs were freely and cheaply available.

A 2005 survey commissioned by the Carbon Trust found that 70% of UK businesses have at least one refrigeration or air-conditioning system running on HCFCs, indicating that demand is high. Once virgin HCFCs are banned in 2010, there may be a temptation to mislabel them as recovered HCFC.

Past errors

“Europe needs to learn from past errors by tightening up enforcement of ODS imports and carrying out an accurate assessment of current HCFC stockpiles” said Julian Newman, EIA Campaigns Director.

Large seizures of illegally smuggled HCFCs have already begun to occur in the United States. In October, Customs and Border Protection officers in South Carolina intercepted 11,400 cylinders of HCFC-22 with a domestic value of close to $1,000,000.

The summit also highlighted the need for good communication between enforcement officers and chemical companies in the fight against illegal trade. Recommendations from the meeting included the establishment of industry focal points which enforcement officers can contact for information exchange.

ENDS

Contacts:

Fionnuala Walravens, EIA Global Environment Campaign Co-ordinator
0207 354 7971
Fionnualawalravens@eia-international.org

Julian Newman, EIA Head of Campaigns
0207 354 7969
Juliannewman@eia-international.org


Stuart Coles, EIA Press Office
0207 354 7969
Mobile 07988 543 221
stuartcoles@eia-international.org

Mike Durham, EIA Press Office
0207 354 7981
Mobile 0777 55 31 612
mikedurham@eia-international.org

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