How to Identify an Illegal F-Gas Container? Download Our Practical Guide
The refrigerant market has long struggled with the problem of illegal F-gas trading. Containers that fail to meet EU safety requirements and regulations are entering the market, posing real risks to users, the environment and the entire supply chain. To help the HVACR industry effectively combat this problem, we have prepared a comprehensive guide: “How to Identify an Illegal Container Containing F-Gases?”. The document explains step by step what to look out for and what markings legal containers must carry.
👉 Download our guide and find out how to avoid the risks
What will you find in the document?
✔ a full comparison of legal and illegal containers
✔ a list of mandatory markings and labels
✔ current EU regulations on the return, trade and use of containers
✔ practical photographs and examples
✔ the most important safety rules
Why does this matter?
1. Illegal containers pose a safety hazard
Single-use, thin-walled containers, often lacking proper safety features or permanent collar stampings, do not comply with ADR standards and may develop leaks, leading to gas escape or explosion.
Many of them are fitted with illegal one-way valves that prevent safe filling or gas recovery.
2. Using them carries legal consequences
Under Regulation (EU) 2024/573:
- there is a ban on placing non-refillable containers on the market and using them,
- any unit detected on the market may be confiscated and destroyed,
- businesses risk inspections, sanctions and equipment seizure.
3. Legal containers guarantee full compliance and safe working conditions
The guide sets out all the mandatory markings that a container approved for placing on the EU market must carry, including:
- the π mark, technical standard number and inspection data,
- full information on the manufacturer, gas composition, GWP and UN number,
- labels required under Regulations 2024/2174 and 2024/573.
This enables every technician, service engineer, distributor or business owner to easily verify the legality of a cylinder and avoid risk.
Protect your business and the environment — act in accordance with the law
The PROZON Climate Protection Foundation has for years been supporting the industry in combating illegal refrigerant trading, through training, educational initiatives and cooperation with enforcement authorities. Our goal is to make it easier for businesses to work safely and in full compliance with regulations.
👉 Download our guide and make sure you are using only legal containers
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