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 XVI/16: Laboratory and analytical uses

The Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVI/16:

Recalling decision IX/17 on essential-use exemptions for laboratory and analytical uses of ozone-depleting substances,

Noting the report of the Implementation Committee requesting guidance from the Parties on the use of bromochloromethane for laboratory and analytical uses,

Considering that decision XV/8 requests the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to report annually on the development and availability of laboratory and analytical procedures that can be performed without using controlled substances in Annexes A, B and C, groups II and III, of the Protocol,

  1. To include in the global laboratory and analytical use exemption under the conditions set out in annex II of the report of the Sixth Meeting of the Parties substances in Annex C, groups II and III, of the Protocol,
  2. To apply the conditions set out in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of decision X/19 to paragraph 1 of the present decision.
Annex II: Conditions applied to exemption for laboratory and analytical uses