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 III/8: Trade names of controlled substances

The Third Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. III/8:

  1. to request the Technical and Economic Assessment Panel (operating under Decision II/13 of the Second Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol) to compile a list of full and complete trade names, including any numerical designations of substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol and the amended Montreal Protocol, including mixtures containing controlled substances and to submit the list to the Secretariat by the end of November 1991;
  2. to request the Secretariat to distribute by the end of March 1992, the list called for in (a) above, to all the Parties to the Montreal Protocol.