Honeywell, local authorities take action against counterfeit refrigerants in Middle East

The seizure was part of a joint effort between the company and local law enforcement. According to local authorities, the counterfeit refrigerant was marked as Honeywell's Genetron 134a and shipped to Dammam Port, Saudi Arabia from China.

"We continue to take the necessary aggressive actions in cooperation with law enforcement and other government authorities to ensure that users get the high-quality product they need as well as ensuring its safety," said Paul Sanders, managing director for Honeywell Fluorine Products in Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. "These efforts have resulted in seizures around the world."

Honeywell has intensified its anti-counterfeit efforts in the Middle East over the past two years. In 2011, the combined efforts of police, customs, local municipalities and other government officials resulted in the seizure of approximately 6,000 cylinders in the United Arab Emirates of materials branded as Honeywell Genetron 134a, but that actually contained dangerous toxic and flammable substances.

Honeywell continues its efforts to build awareness among end customers on risks of using counterfeit products. These include creating posters for garages and service stations that explain how dangerous it can be to use non-genuine products.

All Genetron refrigerants go through extensive tests to assure quality and safety. These properties can be guaranteed only when buying the refrigerant from Honeywell-authorised suppliers.

Honeywell has actively pursued counterfeits for over 10 years with successful seizures in more than 20 countries covering six continents. During the last two years alone, Honeywell, working with local governments, have seized more than 200,000 counterfeit products.

Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies is a global leader in developing and manufacturing advanced materials and process technologies. These materials and technologies are used by people every day in a wide range of industries and applications, from petroleum refining to environmentally friendlier refrigerants to bullet-resistant vests. Our advanced materials are critical in the manufacture of products ranging from nylon to computer chips to pharmaceutical packaging.

Process technologies developed by our UOP business form the foundation for most of the world's refiners, efficiently producing gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and petrochemicals. UOP is now pioneering technology to produce real fuels from renewable energy sources.