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/5: Non-compliance procedure

The Fourth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. IV/5:

  1. to note with appreciation the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group of Legal Experts on Non-Compliance with the Montreal Protocol;
  2. to adopt the non-compliance procedure, as set out in Annex IV to the report of the Fourth Meeting of the Parties;
  3. to adopt the indicative list of measures that might be taken in respect of non-compliance, as set out in Annex V to the report of the Fourth Meeting of the Parties ;
  4. to accept the recommendation that there is no need to expedite the amendment procedure under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer;
  5. to adopt the view that the responsibility for legal interpretation of the Protocol rests ultimately with the Parties themselves.
Annex IV : Non-compliance procedure
Annex V : Indicative list of measures that might be taken by a Meeting of the Parties in respect of non-compliance with the Protocol