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.

Eighth Meeting of the Parties

Decision VIII/1: Ratification of the Vienna Convention, the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments
Decision VIII/2: Data and information provided by the Parties in accordance with Articles 7 and 9 of the Montreal Protocol
Decision VIII/3: Membership of the Implementation Committee
Decision VIII/4: Replenishment of the Multilateral Fund and three-year rolling business plan for 1997-99
Decision VIII/5: Actions to improve the functioning of the Financial Mechanism
Decision VIII/6: Contributions to the Multilateral Fund
Decision VIII/7: Measures taken to improve the Financial Mechanism and technology transfer
Decision VIII/8: Membership of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund
Decision VIII/9: Essential-use nominations for Parties not operating under Article 5 for controlled substances for 1997 through 2002
Decision VIII/10: Actions by Parties not operating under Article 5 to promote industry's participation on a smooth and efficient transition away from CFC-based MDIs
Decision VIII/11: Measures to facilitate a transition by a Party not operating under Article 5 from CFC-based MDIs
Decision VIII/12: Information gathering on a transition to non-CFC treatments for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for Parties not operating under Article 5
Decision VIII/13: Uses and possible applications of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
Decision VIII/14: Further clarification of the definition of "Bulk substances" under decision I/12A
Decision VIII/15: Control of trade in methyl bromide with non-Parties
Decision VIII/16: Critical agricultural uses of methyl bromide
Decision VIII/17: Availability of halons for critical uses
Decision VIII/18: List of products containing controlled substances in Group II of Annex C (Hydrobromofluorocarbons) of the Protocol
Decision VIII/19: Organization and functioning of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel
Decision VIII/20: Illegal imports and exports of controlled substances
Decision VIII/21: Revised formats for reporting data under Article 7 of the Protocol
Decision VIII/22: Compliance with the Montreal Protocol by Latvia
Decision VIII/23: Compliance with the Montreal Protocol by Lithuania
Decision VIII/24: Non-compliance by the Czech Republic with the halon phase-out by 1994
Decision VIII/25: Compliance with the Montreal Protocol by the Russian Federation
Decision VIII/26: Exports of ozone-depleting substances and products containing ozone-depleting substances
Decision VIII/27: Co-Chairs of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol
Decision VIII/28: Financial Matters: financial report and budgets
Decision VIII/29: Application of Georgia for developing country status under the Montreal Protocol
Decision VIII/30: Ninth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol
Annex I: Multilateral Fund: scale of 1997-1999 contributions
Annex II: Recommended nominations for essential use exemptions
Annex III: Recommended adjustments to quantities approved earlier for essential uses
Annex IV: Reporting accounting framework for essential uses other than laboratory and analytical applications
Annex V: Terms of reference of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP)
Annex VI: Trust Fund for the Montreal Protocol: scale of 1997-1998 contributions
Annex VII: Trust Fund for the Montreal Protocol: budgets for 1996, 1997 and 1998
Annex VIII: Note on the status of the Multilateral Fund