Counterfeit R-410A Refrigerant Found in Canada: What Mechanical Contractors Need to Know

By Jenny Holly Hansen | Langley News | December 15, 2025

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued an important safety warning for mechanical contractors, HVAC technicians, and refrigerant service providers across Canada. Counterfeit refrigerant cylinders falsely labelled as R-410A have been identified in circulation, posing serious risks to worker safety, fire hazards, corrosion, and catastrophic equipment failure.

What’s Inside These Counterfeit Cylinders?

Testing has confirmed that these cylinders do not contain genuine R-410A. Instead, they contain a mixture of R-40 (methyl chloride / chloromethane) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

R-40 is not an approved substitute for R-410A and should never be used in HVAC systems designed for modern HFC refrigerants.

Why This Is a Serious Safety Issue

The presence of R-40 introduces multiple, severe risks:

Health risks: Short-term exposure to high concentrations of R-40 through inhalation can impact the nervous and reproductive systems.
Fire and explosion risk: R-40 is extremely flammable, significantly increasing the risk of ignition during handling, charging, or servicing.
Corrosion and chemical reactions: R-40 is corrosive to aluminum and plastics and can react inside HVAC systems to create toxic compounds, strong acids, or explosive chemical reactions, especially when exposed to air or moisture during servicing.
Equipment damage: Counterfeit refrigerants can lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy use, shortened equipment lifespan, voided warranties, and sudden system failure.

For contractors, this isn’t just a product issue—it’s a jobsite safety and liability issue.

How to Spot Potential Counterfeit Refrigerants

ECCC advises contractors to watch for red flags when inspecting refrigerant packaging and cylinders, including:

Generic, inconsistent, or poor-quality labels.
Misspellings, unusual fonts, or missing safety information.
Missing manufacturer name or logo.
Pricing that is significantly below market value.
Non-refillable cylinders or valves and colours that do not match standard HFC containers.

Steps Contractors Should Take Immediately

To protect workers, customers, and equipment, ECCC recommends the following best practices:

Purchase only from authorized distributors
All bulk HFC refrigerants imported into Canada must be authorized under the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (ODSHAR) and stored in refillable containers.
Verify authenticity before use
Some manufacturers offer verification tools such as QR codes, serial numbers, or online validation systems. Use them whenever available.
Inspect every cylinder
Check labels, valves, markings, and packaging against known standards from previous shipments.
Test refrigerant before servicing equipment
Use a portable infrared analyzer or halide torch testing to verify refrigerant contents before charging or repairing systems.

What to Do If You Suspect Counterfeit Refrigerant

If you believe you have encountered counterfeit refrigerants:

Do not use the product
Isolate the cylinder
Contact Environment and Climate Change Canada immediately

ECCC enforcement officers will assess potential non-compliance and determine appropriate enforcement actions under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

Contact Information
Environment and Climate Change Canada – Public Inquiries Centre
📞 (819) 938-4228
📧 enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca

Bottom Line for Mechanical Contractors

This warning underscores the importance of supply chain vigilance, on-site verification, and technician awareness. Counterfeit refrigerants don’t just threaten equipment—they put lives, businesses, and reputations at risk.

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Navacord. With 19 years experience, she will well versed in the technical aspects of business insurance coverages.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or hello@jennyhollyhansen.ca

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.

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