Due to the rising cost of R134a refrigerant, criminals are using counterfeit refrigerant, supplied in illegal containers, to take advantage of unsuspecting workshops across Europe, DENSO has warned. The automotive components manufacturer said the reason prices are rising is linked to changes in European legislation that began in 2014, when the European Commission moved to control emissions from fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases), including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The European Union adopted two pieces of legislation — the F-gas regulation and the Mobile Air Conditioning directive. The aim of both laws is to enforce the use of gases with a global warming potential (GWP) lower than 150. In addition, in 2015, the EU introduced the HFC phase-down mechanism to gradually reduce the consumption of high GWP refrigerants such as R134a, which until recently was the most common AC refrigerant used by vehicle manufacturers. However, by 2030, only one fifth of the 2014 total sales volume of high GWP HFC’s, should be available on the market. R134a is an HFC that has a GWP of 1,430, while CO2 has a GWP of 1. Releasing one kilogramme of R134a refrigerant into the atmosphere, is an equivalent of 1,430kg of CO2. Once released into the atmosphere, it will take on average 12 years before R134a is removed through natural processes, such as atmospheric reactions. However, it should be noted that the concentration of R134a in the atmosphere will continue to increase as long as it is still being used and released into the atmosphere — such as when it is accidently blown into the atmosphere, instead of being recovered by using an AC refilling machine. By comparison R1234yf, which has now replaced R134a as vehicle manufacturers’ favoured refrigerant will remain in the atmosphere for just 11 days. Phase-down timetable As demonstrated by the phase down timetable, only 45% of the total volume of R134a sold in 2014 was available in the market in 2023, and this will reduce to just 31% during this year. This has meant the price for R134a has increased dramatically, especially in 2018, when the availability dropped from 93% to 63%, so the market panicked and the price skyrocketed. As a result, grey import, or the smuggling of counterfeit and illegal refrigerants, increased significantly, particularly from countries outside the EU. What are counterfeit refrigerants? Counterfeit refrigerants are defined as impure, imitation refrigerants that usually consist of blends of alreadyforbidden refrigerants such as R12 or R22, are hazardous, 52 AFTERMARKET MAY 2024 AIR CONDITIONING www.aftermarketonline.net and usually sold in disposable cylinders at discounted prices. Trade in counterfeit refrigerants is on the rise and that brings a variety of consequences, including poor performance, costly damage to machines and equipment, but most importantly, serious safety hazards that could result in explosions and the potential loss of life. Disposable cylinders Counterfeit refrigerants are usually offered in disposable cylinders, due to their relatively low price and lack of traceability. The use of disposable cylinders has been forbidden in the EU since 2007 but ‘DIY’ cans are becoming more common in Europe. Despite the financial pressures in the independent workshop, buying cheap counterfeit refrigerant is simply not worth the risk. Not only is it illegal and hazardous, but it will also void a warranty claim should any traces of counterfeit refrigerants be found in any DENSO component. Avoid it at all costs. Further information: www.denso-am.eu COMBATING THE SURGE IN COUNTERFEIT AC REFRIGERANTS Why unsuspecting garages should be on the alert as the trade in fakes heats up How to avoid counterfeit or illegal refrigerants Source refrigerants from reliable and reputable sources that are verified suppliers and manufacturers Only buy refrigerants supplied in environmentally friendly, re-usable cylinders, with traceability Verify the source and authenticity of the refrigerant.
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