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 IX/22: Customs codes

The Ninth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. IX/22:

  1. To express appreciation to the Multilateral Fund, UNEP and the Stockholm Environmental Institute for the useful information on the problems and possibilities of using customs codes for tracking imports of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) contained in the book Monitoring Imports of Ozone-Depleting Substances: A Guidebook;
  2. To recommend this book as a guide to Parties seeking more information on this issue;
  3. In order to facilitate cooperation between customs authorities and the authorities in charge of ODS control and ensure compliance with licensing requirements, to request the Executive Director of UNEP:
    1. To request the World Customs Organization (WCO) to revise its decision of 20 June 1995, recommending one joint national code on all HCFCs under subheading 2903.49, by instead recommending separate national codes under subheading 2903.48 for the most commonly used HCFCs (e.g., HCFC-21; HCFC-22; HCFC-31; HCFC-123; HCFC-124; HCFC-133; HCFC-141b; HCFC-142b; HCFC-225; HCFC-225ca; HCFC-225cb);
    2. To further ask the World Customs Organization to work with major ODS suppliers to develop and provide the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, through UNEP, with a check-list of relevant customs codes for ODS that are commonly marketed as mixtures, for use by national customs authorities and authorities in charge of control of ODS to ensure compliance with import licensing requirements;
  4. To request all Parties with ODS production facilities to urge their producing companies to cooperate fully with WCO in the preparation of this check-list.