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 XI/26: Recommendations and clarifications of the World Customs Organization concerning customs codes for ozone-depleting substances and products containing ozone-depleting substances

The Eleventh Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XI/26:

Recalling decisions IX/22 and X/18 of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol dealing with customs codes for ozone-depleting substances and products containing ozone-depleting substances,

Noting that the issue of customs codes is of great importance for the prevention of the illegal traffic of ozone-depleting substances and for the purpose of data reporting in accordance with Article 7 of the Montreal Protocol,

  1. To note, with appreciation, the actions undertaken so far by the World Customs Organization on the further extension of the Harmonized System customs nomenclature of ozone-depleting substances and products containing ozone-depleting substances;
  2. To note the summary of the draft recommendation of the World Customs Organization concerning the insertion in national statistical nomenclatures of Harmonized System subheadings for ozone-depleting substances and products containing ozone-depleting substances and the clarification of the classification under the Harmonized System Convention of methyl bromide containing small amounts of chloropicrin provided in annex II to the report of the nineteenth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group (UNEP/OzL.Pro/WG.1/19/7);
  3. To note that the group of experts convened in accordance with decision X/18 will conduct further work on recommendations relating to the Harmonized System codes for mixtures and products containing ozone-depleting substances in collaboration with the World Customs Organization.