The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it. This phase-out plan includes both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.

The parties to the Protocol meet once a year to make decisions aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement. These include adjusting or amending the Protocol, which has been done six times since its creation. The most recent amendment, the Kigali Amendment, called for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016. These HFCs were used as replacements for a batch of ozone-depleting substances eliminated by the original Montreal Protocol. Although they do not deplete the ozone layer, they are known to be powerful greenhouse gases and, thus, contributors to climate change.

The Montreal Protocol provided a set of practical, actionable tasks that were universally agreed on. The Protocol has successfully met its objectives thus far and continues to safeguard the ozone layer today. Thanks to the collaborative effort of nations around the world, the ozone layer is well on its way to recovery.

Annex II: Critical-use exemptions for methyl bromide for 2005

A. Agreed critical-use categories

Country Categories of permitted critical uses (metric tonnes)
Australia Cut flowers – field (18.375); Cut flowers – protected (10.425); Cut flowers, bulbs – protected (7); Rice (consumer packs) (6.15); Strawberry fruit – field (67); Strawberry runners (35.75);
Belgium Asparagus (planting material) (0.63); Chicory (0.18); Cucurbits (0.61); Cut flowers (excluding roses and chrysanthemum) (4); Cut flowers (chrysanthemum) (1.12); Leeks and onions – planting stock (0.66); Lettuce and endive – protected (25.19); Nursery (0.9); Orchard – pome fruit and berries – replant (1.35); Pepper, eggplant – protected (3); Strawberry runners (3.4); Tomatoes – protected (5.7); Tree nursery (0.23)
Canada Pasta and flour mills (47); Strawberry runners (7.952)
France Carrots (8); Chestnuts (2); Cut flowers, bulbs – protected and open field (60); Eggplant, pepper, tomato – protected and field (125); Forest nurseries (10); Mills and processors (40); Orchard and raspberry – replant (25); Orchard and raspberry nurseries (5); Rice (consumer packs) (2); Strawberry runners (40); Strawberry fruit – protected and open field (90);
Greece Cucurbits – protected (30); Tomato – protected (156);
Italy Cut flowers, bulbs – protected (250); Eggplant – protected (194); Melon – protected (131); Pepper – protected (160); Strawberry fruit – protected (407); Strawberry runners (120); Tomato – protected (871);
Japan Chestnuts (4.6); Cucumber (39.4); Melon (94.5); Peppers (74.1); Watermelon (71.4)
Portugal Cut flowers – protected and open field (50);
Spain Cut flowers (Andalusia) – protected (53); Cut flowers (Catalonia) – carnation, protected and open field (20); Peppers – protected (200); Strawberry fruit – protected (556); Strawberry runners (230)
United Kingdom Cheese stores (traditional) (1.640); Food storage (dry goods) – structure (1.1); Mills and processors (47.13); Miscellaneous dry nuts, fruit, beans, cereals, seeds (2.4); Ornamental tree nurseries (6); Spices (structural/equipment) (1.728); Stored spices (0.03); Strawberries and raspberries – fruit (68); Tobacco (product/machinery) (0.050)
United States of America Chrysanthemum cuttings – rose plants (nursery) (29.412); Cucurbits – field (1187.8); Dried fruit, beans and nuts (86.753); Eggplant – field (73.56); Forest nursery seedlings (192.515); Fruit tree nurseries (45.8); Ginger production – field (9.2); Mills and processors (483); Orchard replant (706.176); Peppers – field (1085.3); Smokehouse ham – (building and product) (0.907); Strawberry fruit – field (1833.846); Strawberry runners (54.988); Sweet potato – field (80.83); Tomato - field (2865.3); Turfgrass (206.827)

B. Permitted levels of production and consumption of methyl bromide necessary to satisfy critical uses in 2005

Country (metric tonnes of methyl bromide)
Australia 145
Belgium* 47
Canada 55
France* 407
Greece* 186
Italy* 2,133
Japan 284
Portugal* 50
Spain* 1,059
United Kingdom* 128
United States of America 7,659

* The production and consumption of the European Community shall not exceed 3,910 metric tonnes for the purposes of the agreed critical uses, and 100 metric tonnes of stocks.