Challenges and Solutions to Combat Illegal HFC Trade

The rise in demand for HFCs in Europe due to increasing temperatures, coupled with restrictive regulations, created challenges like price surges and monopolization by large companies. Smugglers sourced HFCs from China, evading weak customs checks in EU border countries to sell in the black market. The illegal trade led to tax revenue losses for governments and environmental consequences. To combat this, the EU could implement real-time systems to monitor quotas, regulate cylinder use, and close transit loopholes to prevent further illicit trade and safeguard the environment.