The Environmental Investigation Agency’s ninth Illegal Trade Bulletin highlights illegal refrigerant trade cases reported ahead of the 48th meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, scheduled for July 13-17, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand. The bulletin also covers recent enforcement actions in Europe and calls attention to international cooperation in enforcement.
According to EIA, countries have reported more than 320 illegal trade cases across 18 countries through the voluntary reporting system since April 22, 2025. These cases represent more than 751,222 kg of controlled substances. One reported U.S. case involved an attempted import of 4,480 kg of HFC-23 from China, denied entry on April 24, 2025 because the importer did not hold the required import allowances under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act.
In Poland, Customs and Tax Service officers discovered modified LPG cylinders during an inspection of two vehicles at the Bobrowniki border crossing with Belarus on June 12, 2026. Authorities said the cylinders were used to smuggle more than 80 liters of HFC refrigerants, R-404A and R-134a, into Poland. The refrigerants have GWPs of 3,922 and 1,430 respectively, and their use is banned in new equipment approved for sale under EU F-Gas Regulations.
Bulgarian authorities also reported an enforcement action involving environmental crimes and money laundering. Officers detained four individuals, charged two, and searched 10 addresses, finding more than 1,500 cylinders of various refrigerants in a warehouse. Authorities also seized more than 70,000 euros [approx. USD 80,661], jewelry, watches, and gold coins.
In Greece, authorities arrested five members of a criminal organization suspected of illegally importing and trafficking fluorinated refrigerants from Albania into Greece. Officers seized 234 cylinders totaling 2,418 kg (5,331 pounds), with an estimated market value of at least 82,237 euros [approx. USD 95,815]. The contents of the cylinders were not disclosed in the official press release.
EIA said it will attend OEWG48 and continue monitoring discussions on illegal trade methods, enforcement actions, and best practices for managing seized refrigerants. On June 5, UNEP and the World Customs Organisation also highlighted the role of cooperation between customs and environmental authorities in enforcing multilateral environmental agreements, including the Montreal Protocol.
