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/17C: Application of trade measures under Article 4 to non-Parties to the Protocol

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

  1. recalling that paragraph 8 of Article 4 of the Protocol permits a Meeting of the Parties to determine that a State not party to the Protocol is in full compliance with Articles 2, 2A to 2E and Article 4 of the Protocol and therefore is not to be subject to the trade controls specified in that Article, to determine provisionally, pending a final decision at the Fifth Meeting of the Parties, that any State not party to the Protocol which:
    1. has by 31 March 1993 notified the Secretariat that it is in full compliance with Articles 2, 2A to 2E and Article 4 of the Protocol;
    2. has by 31 March 1993 submitted supporting data to that effect to the Secretariat as specified in Article 7 of the Protocol;

    2. is in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Protocol and may be exempt, between that time and the Fifth Meeting of the Parties, from the trade controls in paragraphs 2 and 2 bis of Article 4 of the Protocol;

  2. to request the Secretariat to transmit any such data received to the Implementation Committee and to the Parties;
  3. that a final decision on the position of such States will be taken at the Fifth Meeting of the Parties, taking account of any comment on the data of these States that the Implementation Committee may make.