From AFP:

Smuggling of ozone-depleting chemicals in the Asia-Pacific region is much worse than expected, a study released at a UN-backed environment conference said Wednesday.

The study analysed the trade of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are controlled under an international treaty, and discovered wide discrepancies in export and import figures between trading countries.

“If you compare figures between countries trading in these goods in the region, you will find that there is a discrepancy… the figures just do not match,” said Ludgarde Coppens, a policy and enforcement officer with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

CFCs are among a group of chlorine-based compounds that were widely introduced after World War II, serving as refrigerants — in fridges and air conditioners — aerosol-spray propellants, solvents and foam-blowing agents.