As Europe intensifies its efforts to curb the climate impact of refrigeration, a new threat has emerged: the illegal trade in high GWP refrigerants. AFS Cooling remains committed to helping you navigate the complex F-Gas landscape and maintain full regulatory compliance.

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Europe Faces Surge of Illegal High-GWP Refrigerants

The European refrigeration market is currently facing a major challenge due to the widespread illegal trade in high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants such as R404A and R507. Despite strict bans introduced under the European F-Gas Regulation, virgin high GWP refrigerants are reportedly still being circulated across several countries.

Since 1 January 2025, the use of virgin refrigerants with a GWP of 2500 or higher has been prohibited. Only properly reclaimed refrigerants may be used to service existing systems. However, reports from industry organisations and national associations reveal that significant abuses of these rules are occurring. Virgin or contaminated gases are being misrepresented as reclaimed, while banned high GWP products are increasingly being sold under false labels as legal lower GWP alternatives such as R449A or R448A.

In Poland, the PROZON Foundation has warned that high GWP refrigerants, marketed as reclaimed, are appearing without undergoing the necessary processing to meet quality standards. Similarly, Spain’s AEFYT (Asociación de Empresas del Frío y sus Tecnologías) has reported a sharp rise in R404A and R507 being falsely marketed as R449A or R448A at unusually low prices.

Industry experts caution that these counterfeit products often fail to meet required specifications, resulting in significant operational risks, including cooling system malfunctions, reduced energy efficiency, and serious compressor damage. Furthermore, improper handling of such refrigerants exposes businesses to substantial legal and financial liabilities. Under the F-Gas Regulation, violations can lead to heavy fines, seizure of illegal goods, mandatory destruction fees, and reputational harm.

Recent testing by General Gas, an Italian refrigerant distributor, uncovered further evidence of mislabelled cylinders. In one case, a cylinder labelled as R449A was found to contain R507A adulterated with R410A. Experts warn that insufficient enforcement and lack of quality control could seriously undermine the credibility of the F-Gas system if the situation is not addressed.

Authorities and industry bodies recommend heightened vigilance in the sourcing of refrigerants. Buyers are advised to:

• Purchase exclusively from trusted and certified suppliers
• Verify that the full documentation and quality certifications are provided
• Be cautious of suspiciously low prices, which may indicate illegal product origins

The growing presence of illegal high GWP refrigerants highlights the ongoing need for strict compliance, better market surveillance, and increased awareness among industry participants.

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AFS Cooling offers comprehensive reclaim audits, certified refrigerant supply, and expert F-Gas consulting to ensure your systems stay efficient and fully compliant. Contact us today to schedule a compliance review or learn more about our reclaiming services.