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 F: Hydrofluorocarbons

Applicable to production and consumption

Non-Article 5(1) Parties Article 5(1) Parties - Group 1 Article 5(1) Parties - Group 2
Base level: Average HFC for 2011-2013 + 15% of HCFC baseline* Base level: Average HFC for 2020-2022 + 65% of HCFC baseline Base level: Average HFC for 2024-2026 + 65% of HCFC baseline
Freeze: - Freeze: January 1, 2024 Freeze: January 1, 2028
10* per cent reduction: January 1, 2019 10 per cent reduction: January 1, 2029 10 per cent reduction: January 1, 2032
40* per cent reduction: January 1, 2024 30 per cent reduction: January 1, 2035 20 per cent reduction: January 1, 2037
70 per cent reduction: January 1, 2029 50 per cent reduction: January 1, 2040 30 per cent reduction: January 1, 2042
80 per cent reduction: January 1, 2034 80 per cent reduction: January 1, 2045 85 per cent reduction: January 1, 2047
85 per cent reduction: January 1, 2036        

* For Belarus, Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, 25% HCFC component of baseline and different initial two steps (1) 5% reduction in 2020 and (2) 35% reduction in 2025
Group 1: Article 5 parties not part of Group 2
Group 2: Bahrain, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Anx F