Publications

This report of seizures and iPIC consultations is based on the cases reported in the context of the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Ozone Protection Award for Customs and Enforcement Officers (4th
edition) which is part of the work programme of the UNEP Regional Ozone Network for Europe and Central Asia (ECA network). UN Environment is grateful for the valuable contributions of the award winning organizations and individuals and highly appreciates their outstanding efforts and exemplary dedication towards the enforcement of trade provisions under the Montreal Protocol.

Fluorocarbon refrigerants are synthetic chemicals which usually have a high global warming potential, and some still have the potential to cause damage to the ozone layer as well if released to the atmosphere.

With the advancing worldwide phase out of HCFCs, UNEP’s OzonAction Division of Technology has produced a factsheet (in English and Russian languages) on the safe use of the new alternatives.

When refrigeration and air conditioning equipment is installed, serviced, repaired and dismantled, safety issues need to be carefully evaluated and considered particularly when servicing technicians have to deal with refrigerants with properties that they were previously not familiar with. It is therefore important that the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry adapts to both the technical and safety issues concerning these refrigerants.