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/9: Data and information reporting

The Fourth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. IV/9:

  1. to note with satisfaction that all the Parties that reported data met or exceeded their obligations for control measures under Article 2 of the Protocol;
  2. to urge all Parties that have not reported their data to the Secretariat to do so as soon as possible;
  3. to encourage all Parties to adhere strictly to the reporting requirement under paragraph 3 of Article 7 of the amended Protocol which provides, inter alia, that data shall be provided not later than nine months after the end of the year to which the data relate;
  4. to urge all Parties to insert further subdivisions to the recommended Harmonized System subheadings so that imports and exports of each of the substances listed in the annexes of the Protocol as well as each of the mixtures containing these substances can be accurately monitored in order to facilitate reporting of data under Article 7 of the Protocol.