Answer given by Mr Arias Cañete on behalf of the European Commission

15.7.2019

The Commission is monitoring the issue of illegal imports of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) into the EU and is taking measures to ensure the correct implementation of Regulation (EU) No 517/2014.

The Commission requests Member States to investigate possible cases of illegal trade and to impose effective penalties where needed. To identify possible offenders, the Commission asked Member States for their assistance in comparing customs’ data with data reported under the regulation.

The Commission also provides guidance on how customs can enforce the regulation and is facilitating the sharing of best practices across the Union.

The Commission is also setting up an IT application for Member States customs authorities by 2020 that will facilitate identification of potential illegal trade cases (within the Single Window environment for customs initiative).

In addition, Customs authorities are starting a project under the EU funded programme, Customs 2020, to share experience and develop best practices on how customs can stop illegal HFC trade; the Commission is supporting and participating in this initiative.

The Commission will also discuss with international partners, including China, on ways to cooperate on this issue.

The Commission, in its role as guardian of the Treaties, will take the necessary measures including, where appropriate, infringement procedures, in cases of non-conformity with Union law.