UK trade associations have described as 'disproportionate' and 'discriminatory' the Danish government's aim to ban hfcs by 2006.

The Federation of Environmental Trade Associations has also said that the proposed cut will slow down the hfc emission reduction process.

FETA says that it acknowledges that reducing the hfc emissions from its products, and enhancing their efficiency are necessary. But adds that "The Danish proposal far exceeds what is necessary to achieve those goals, and raises serious concerns."

The UK trade body claims that the Danish ban is a protectionist policy, and a barrier to free trade. FETA points out that the Danes will still be permitted to manufacture and export hfcs, and hfc equipment. The proposal also provides exemptions from the phase out for uses important to Danish manufacturers.

FETA adds that alternatives to hfcs have not been proved to be environmentally better, and in some cases could be dangerous. Hydrocarbons such as butane and propane are flammable; and ammonia, while a good refrigerant, is highly toxic even at low concentrations.

Overall, the Danish announcement has been greeted as a unilateral move, which could hinder the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Europe. FETA comments: "Unilateral policies will hinder this process by making it impossible for the industry to plan for the long-term. It will discourage concrete action, and encourage 'wait and see' behaviour in the industry".

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