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 VIII/20: Illegal imports and exports of controlled substances

The Eighth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. VIII/20:

  1. To note with appreciation the report prepared by the Secretariat on illegal imports and exports of ozone-depleting substances;
  2. To urge each Party not operating under Article 5 that has not already done so to establish a system requiring validation and approval of imports of any used, recycled or reclaimed ozone-depleting substances before they are imported. Importers should sufficiently demonstrate to approving authorities that the ozone-depleting substances have indeed been previously used;
  3. To request each Party not operating under Article 5 to report to the Secretariat by the Ninth Meeting of the Parties on the establishment of the system described in paragraph 2 above;
  4. That the exception in decision IV/24 (which provides that the import and export of recycled and used controlled substances not be taken into account in the calculation of the Party’s consumption level) shall not apply to any Party not operating under Article 5 that has not established by 1 January 1998 a system such as that described in paragraph 2 above;
  5. To request the Ninth Meeting of the Parties to consider instituting a system to require validation and approval of exports of used and recycled ozone-depleting substances from all Parties.