Stay Safe Against Counterfeit Refrigerants
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has reached out to warn industry stakeholders that counterfeit hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants have been found in Canada. We are sharing this message as safety is our top priority at A-Gas.
Specifically, R-40 has been found in cylinders labeled as R410A. R-40 is not an R410A replacement and has serious health and equipment risks.
ECCC has published information with additional details and tips on how to avoid counterfeit refrigerants. We have included the tips from ECCC on how to spot counterfeit refrigerants below for your convenience. We encourage you to share this ECCC information with your organization.
How to Help Detect Counterfeit Refrigerants
- Generic and/or unusual labeling, logos or seals, inconsistent text and font type or misspellings on the product packaging.
- Packaging that does not include the manufacturer’s name and/or logo, or safety warnings and instructions that match the refrigerant type.
- The advertised price is significantly below average market value, or the supplier is relatively unknown (e.g. limited information available online).
- Non-refillable cylinders or cylinders with different valve types or colours than standard HFC refrigerant cylinders.
Steps to Avoid Counterfeit Refrigerants
- Ensure your supply chain is accountable and only purchase refrigerants from authorized distributors. All imports of HFC refrigerants into Canada must be authorized by ECCC and stored in refillable containers.
- Some manufacturers use special labels, markings or tamper resistant packaging to assist customers in determining if materials are genuine and some also offer tools (e.g. websites, phone numbers, QR codes etc.) to assist with verification.
- Compare the information on packaging (e.g. refrigerant type, purity level and net weight etc.) with the manufacturer’s published specifications.
- Visually inspect every refrigerant package and cylinder for misspelling, font inconsistencies, missing labels or markings, incorrect valves, or other obvious changes from previous shipments.
- Verify the refrigerant contained in HVAC systems, for example, by using a portable infrared analyzer and/or halide torch testing, prior to repairing or servicing equipment.
If you suspect you have encountered counterfeit refrigerants, do not use them and contact ECCC.
