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/33: Illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances

The Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVI/33:

  1. To note with appreciation the notes by the Secretariat on information reported by the Parties on illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances and on streamlining the exchange of information on reducing illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances;
  2. Further to note with appreciation the report by the Division of Technology, Industry and Economics of the United Nations Environment Programme on activities of the regional networks with regard to means of combating illegal trade;
  3. To note the need for coordination of efforts by Parties at national and international level to suppress illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances;
  4. To request the Ozone Secretariat to gather further ideas from the Parties on further areas of cooperation between Parties and other bodies in combating illegal trade such as development of a system of tracking trade in ozone-depleting substances and improvement of communications between exporting and importing countries in the light of the information provided in the note by the Secretariat on streamlining the exchange of information on reducing illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances and the report by the Division of Technology, Industry and Economics of the United Nations Environment Programme on activities of the regional networks with regard to means of combating illegal trade;
  5. Further to request the Ozone Secretariat to produce draft terms of reference for a study on the feasibility of developing a system of tracking trade in ozone-depleting substances and the cost implications of carrying out such a study, taking into account the proposal presented by Sri Lanka;
  6. To request in addition the Executive Secretary of the Ozone Secretariat to convene in the first half of 2005, and provided that funds are available, a workshop of experts from Parties to the Montreal Protocol to develop specific areas and a conceptual framework of cooperation in the light both of information already available and of the reports to be produced by the Secretariat pursuant to paragraphs 4 and 5 above and make appropriate proposals to the Meeting of the Parties;
  7. To consider the information on the outcome of the workshop to be convened by the Ozone Secretariat at the Seventeenth Meeting of the Parties.