The EPA Cracks Down on Illegal R-22 Importation and Sale
“The U.S. government is very serious about tracking down those who illegally import or sell HCFC-22. Anyone devising illegal schemes to import or sell this refrigerant is on notice that the U.S. will arrest and convict you,” said Dave Stirpe, alliance executive director.
Stirpe went on to say that the alliance cautions industry and the public to be certain that their R-22 refrigerant purchases are legal, and to report any offers to buy illegally imported refrigerants to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). R-22 refrigerant may be legally produced domestically and imported into the U.S. provided that EPA-issued quota allowances are expended. Anyone importing HCFCs without legal allowances is in violation of federal law. R-22 is generally used to service and maintain existing commercial air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Newly produced equipment generally relies on HFCs and other refrigerants.