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.

Decision XVIII/30: Non-compliance in 2005 with the control measures of the Montreal Protocol governing consumption of the controlled substance in Annex B, group II, (carbon tetrachloride) by Mexico

  1. To note that Mexico ratified the Montreal Protocol on 31March 1988, the London Amendment on 11 October 1991 and the Copenhagen Amendment on 16 September 1994, is classified as a Party operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol and had its country programme approved by the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol in February 1992. The Executive Committee has approved $83,209,107 from the Multilateral Fund to enable Mexico’s compliance in accordance with Article 10 of the Protocol;
  2. To note further that Mexico has reported annual consumption for the Annex B, group II, controlled substance (carbon tetrachloride) for 2005 of 89.540 ODP-tonnes, which exceeds the Party’s maximum allowable consumption level of 9.376 ODP-tonnes for that controlled substance for that year, and that Mexico is therefore in non‑compliance with the carbon tetrachloride control measures under the Protocol;
  3. To note with appreciation Mexico’s submission of a plan of action to ensure a prompt return to compliance with the Protocol’s carbon tetrachloride control measures and to note that, under the plan, without prejudice to the operation of the financial mechanism of the Protocol, Mexico specifically commits itself:
    1. To reduce carbon tetrachloride consumption from 89.540 ODP-tonnes in 2005 as follows:
      1. To 9.376 ODP-tonnes in 2008;
      2. To zero ODP-tonnes in 2009;
    2. To monitor its system for licensing the import and export of ozone‑depleting substances, which includes import quotas;
  4. To note that the measures listed in paragraph 3 above should enable Mexico to return to compliance with the Protocol in 2008 and to urge Mexico to work with the relevant implementing agencies to implement the plan of action to phase out consumption of carbon tetrachloride;
  5. To monitor closely the progress of Mexico with regard to the phase-out of carbon tetrachloride. To the degree that the Party is working towards and meeting the specific Protocol control measures, it should continue to be treated in the same manner as a Party in good standing. In that regard, Mexico should continue to receive international assistance to enable it to meet its commitments in accordance with item A of the indicative list of measures that may be taken by a Meeting of the Parties in respect of non-compliance. Through the present decision, however, the Meeting of the Parties cautions Mexico, in accordance with item B of the indicative list of measures, that, in the event that it fails to return to compliance in a timely manner, the Meeting of the Parties will consider measures consistent with itemC of the indicative list of measures. Those measures may include the possibility of actions available under Article4, such as ensuring that the supply of carbon tetrachloride that is the subject of non‑compliance is ceased so that exporting Parties are not contributing to a continuing situation of non‑compliance;