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/28: Supply of HCFCs to Parties operating under paragraph 1 Article 5 of the Protocol

The Eleventh Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XI/28 to request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to study and report by 30 April 2003 at the latest on the problems and options of Article 5 Parties in obtaining HCFCs in the light of the freeze on the production of HCFCs in non-Article 5 Parties in the year 2004. This report should analyse whether HCFCs are available to Article 5 Parties in sufficient quantity and quality and at affordable prices, taking into account the 15 per cent allowance to meet the basic domestic needs of the Article 5 Parties and the surplus quantities available from the consumption limit allowed to the non-Article 5 Parties. The Parties, at their Fifteenth Meeting in the year 2003, shall consider this report for the purpose of addressing problems, if any, brought out by the report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel.