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 XIX/14: Essential-use exemption for chlorofluorocarbon‑113 for aerospace applications in the Russian Federation

Noting with appreciation the work done by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its Chemicals Technical Options Committee,

Taking into consideration that adequate identified alternatives for chlorofluorocarbon-113 (CFC-113) do not currently exist for use in the aerospace industry of the Russian Federation and that the search for its alternatives continues, as confirmed in the 2006 assessment report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its Chemicals Technical Options Committee,

Noting the readiness of the Russian Federation to explore the possibility of importing CFC-113 for its aerospace industry needs from available global stocks in accordance with the recommendations of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its Chemicals Technical Options Committee,

Also noting that the Russian Federation is ready to receive prior to February 2008 a small group of experts in replacing ozone-depleting substance solvents in the aerospace industry nominated by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its Chemicals Technical Options Committee with the aim of evaluating the applications and recommending proven alternatives where possible,

  1. To authorize the levels of production and consumption of CFC-113 in the Russian Federation for essential-use exemptions for chlorofluorocarbons in its aerospace industry in the amount of 140 metric tonnes in 2008;
  2. To authorize the volume of 130 metric tonnes of CFC-113 nominated for 2009 by the Russian Federation provided that no alternatives are identified by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel that can be implemented by 2009;
  3. To request the Russian Federation to explore further the possibility of importing CFC‑113 for its aerospace industry needs from available global stocks in accordance with the recommendations of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its Chemicals Technical Options Committee.