The European chemical trade association, CEFIC, has admitted that it is unclear what HFC and HFO refrigerants are included in the new REACH regulation proposals.

SPAIN: Action by Spanish police and the European Fraud Office has led to the arrest of five people and the seizure of more than 27 tonnes of illegal HFC refrigerant.

Customs officers from the port of Elefsina in Greece have seized 17,200kg of smuggled illegal HFC refrigerant.

UK: The Environmental Investigation Agency has uncovered “systematic corruption” of customs officials in the illegal importation of refrigerants into Europe, with Romania identified as one of the major entry points.

A new study from an international team of scientists has warned that climate change is increasing ozone depletion over the Arctic.

In a significant move, China has officially accepted the Kigali Amendment to phase down HFC refrigerants.

Daikin has developed a new refrigerant blend, which the Japanese company says is a more efficient alternative to R1234yf in electric vehicle HVAC systems.

Fearing an increase in illegal HFC refrigerant imports, companies from across Europe have called on the European Commission for more rigorous enforcement of the F-gas regulations.

BELGIUM: The European manufacturers’ group Eurovent has rejected as “completely unrealistic” claims by the European Commission that hydrocarbon refrigerants could replace HFCs in air conditioning systems by 2030.