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 XIII/12: Monitoring of international trade and prevention of illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances, mixtures and products containing ozone-depleting substances

The Thirteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XIII/12:

  1. To request the Ozone Secretariat, in consultation, as appropriate, with the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, the World Customs Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (UNEP/DTIE) and the World Trade Organization to undertake a study and present a report with practical suggestions on the issues contained in Decision XII/10 to the Open-ended Working Group at its 22nd meeting, in 2002, for consideration by the Parties in 2002;
  2. That in preparing the study, the Secretariat should use Decision XII/10 as terms of reference and should study solely those issues discussed in that decision.