This third edition of the manual is updated to re ect the evolving role of Customs and enforcement officers in implementing their commitments under the Montreal Protocol. It includes additional information on all the substances now controlled under the Montreal Protocol, with a focus on hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) which are primarily used as refrigerants and foam blowing agents. HCFCs replaced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which were phased out by 1st January 2010.

The Handbook describes the nomination process for essential use exemptions as it has evolved through Articles of the Protocol and Decisions of the Parties; the procedures followed under the Protocol; and the experience of the Panel and its Technical Options Committees in managing the process to date. The Handbook contains three sections: review of the essential use process; instructions for the completion of essential use nominations; and appendices. The appendices contain provisions of the Montreal Protocol, decisions of the Parties to the Protocol and an essential use nomination form.

The Handbook describes the nomination process for essential use exemptions as it has evolved through Articles of the Protocol and Decisions of the Parties; the procedures followed under the Protocol; and the experience of the Panel and its Technical Options Committees in managing the process to date. The Handbook contains three sections: review of the essential use process; instructions for the completion of essential use nominations; and appendices. The appendices contain provisions of the Montreal Protocol, decisions of the Parties to the Protocol and an essential use nomination form.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer establishes the phase-out schedules for production and consumption of the most harmful ozone depleting substances (ODS). Different phase-out schedules apply to the industrialised and developing countries (Section 5.1). The ODS phase-out is in different stages of implementation across the globe. Eventually, production and consumption of ODS need to be phased out globally. Only then will the ozone layer be able to recover.

The Handbook contains four sections: (1) an outline of the critical-use process, (2) suggested forms and notes for the submission of critical-use nominations, (3) reporting accounting framework and (4) appendices. The appendices contain provisions of the Montreal Protocol relating to critical-use exemptions for methyl bromide, relevant decisions of the Parties to the Protocol, and extracts from meeting reports of the Parties relevant to critical uses.

The Handbook contains four sections: (1) an outline of the critical-use process, (2) suggested forms and notes for the submission of critical-use nominations, (3) reporting accounting framework and (4) appendices. The appendices contain provisions of the Montreal Protocol relating to critical-use exemptions for methyl bromide, relevant decisions of the Parties to the Protocol, and extracts from meeting reports of the Parties relevant to critical uses.

The conclusion in 1985 of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, followed in 1987 by the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, were the starting points of global cooperation for the protection of the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer.

When did we realize ozone depletion was an issue, and how did we fix it? By 1985, the globe had already seen advancements in the scientific understanding of ozone depletion and its impacts on human health and the environment. It was then that the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was created in response. This agreement is a framework convention that lays out principles agreed upon by many parties. It does not, however, require countries to take control actions to protect the ozone layer. This would come later in the form of the Montreal Protocol. 

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. 

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