WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy today reminded industry and the public to be certain that their chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerant purchases are legal, and to refuse to buy illegally imported refrigerant. The warning came as reports are beginning to surface that illegal CFC imports may be on the rise as these ozone-depleting refrigerants become more scarce due to their phaseout under U.S. law and international treaty.

"Purchasers of the illegal refrigerant are at risk. The government may confiscate any illegally imported refrigerant, even if it has been passed down through the marketplace, and prosecute purchasers who knowingly buy illegal material," stated Dave Stirpe, Executive Director of the Alliance.

"Consumers should also be wary of the refrigerant since some of the imported material has been found to be of poor quality," Stirpe noted.

A government task force consisting of the U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency, Customs Service, and the Internal Revenue Service has been working for several years to uncover illegal imports of CFCs and to investigate claims of illegal importation and unpaid taxes on these chemicals. Since 1995, 103 individuals have been convicted under circumstances involving the sale, import, or purchase of illegally imported CFCs. Penalties have included prison sentences ranging from two months to nearly five years. Fines totaling over $40 million have been imposed. The civil penalty for violating EPA regulations can be up to $27,500 per violation.

CFC-12 is a refrigerant used in home and commercial refrigeration, and automobile and large building air conditioners. It has not been produced or imported for use in developed countries since January 1, 1996. However, stockpiles and recycled CFCs can continue to be used to service and maintain existing air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. If you own a 1994 or older vehicle, chances are its mobile air conditioning system requires CFC-12 refrigerant to keep it in operation.

The supply of CFC-12 refrigerant has diminished over the years and, with its increased cost, it may be wise to convert your air conditioning system to another refrigerant when it requires repair. HFC-134a, used in new vehicles and as a CFC-12 replacement, is the "refrigerant of choice" of automobile manufacturers and the air conditioning repair industry.

"Illegal imports make ozone-depleting CFCs more available, reduce the incentive for users to to alternatives, and penalize legitimate companies who are complying with U.S. laws," Stirpe stated.

In order to report any violations regarding imports or excise taxes that are due on certain stockpiled refrigerant, please call: EPA: 800-296-1996; IRS: 202-622-4177; or Customs: 800-BE-ALERT.

The Alliance is an industry coalition of domestic users and producers of CFCs and alternatives such as HCFCs and HFCs. Today, the Alliance is a leading industry voice that coordinates industry participation in the development of reasonable international and U.S. government policies regarding ozone protection and climate change.