ZERO calls for tighter checks on fluorinated gas trade

On the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, environmental association ZERO urged Portugal to step up enforcement against illegal trade in HFCs and speed up adoption of natural refrigerants such as CO2 and propane. Portugal ratified the 2016 Kigali Amendment early but enforcement lags, ZERO says, noting Portugal is a destination for HFCs smuggled from China via Spain, with the illegal market estimated at 20-30% of the EU's legal trade. A 2021 seizure of 10 tonnes at the border drew only a €40,000 fine, below the likely profit from the offence. ZERO wants closer cooperation between the Climate Agency, customs and the GNR.

This appeared in the Pulse of 17 September 2026 — Read that edition →