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 IV/17A: Trade issues

The Fourth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. IV/17A:

  1. to take note of the information provided by some Parties on the implementation of Article 4 of the Protocol and to encourage further those Parties that have not yet done so to provide the information to the Secretariat as soon as possible;
  2. to clarify, as follows, the situation of Parties that have not ratified the London Amendment:
    1. under paragraph 2 of Article 4 of the Protocol, the export ban on Annex A substances shall apply only to any State not party to the Montreal Protocol of 1987;
    2. under paragraph 2 bis of Article 4 of the Protocol, the export ban on Annex B substances shall commence only on 10 August 1993.