NAIROBI, Kenya - According to the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), illegal trade of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) continues to rise. The London-based environmental crime investigation and exposure agency revealed its findings in a report to the United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi.

EIA found that Singapore and Dubai have played a role in exporting these illegal substances to such countries as South Africa and the United States.

EAI suggested that actions should be taken to speed up the phaseout of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) under the Montreal Protocol, in order to help curb CFC smuggling.

"CFC trade is now growing in developing countries, and the reason for the illegal trade is simply economics," said Ezra Clark, senior campaigner and investigator for EIA. "As the phaseout schedule for CFC progresses, legitimate supply decreases and the market prices go up, offering incentive to ODS smugglers keen to avoid duty and make a fast profit."

Publication date: 11/17/2003