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 XXXII/5: Reporting of information on the use of controlled substances as process agents

Recalling that the quantities of controlled substances produced or imported for use as process agents in plants and installations operating before 1 January 1999 should not be taken into account in the calculation of production and consumption provided that the conditions set out in decision X/14, as amended by decisions XV/7, XVII/6, XXI/3, XXII/8, XXIII/7 and XXXI/6, have been met,

Noting that the detailed data on the use of controlled substances as process agents submitted to the Secretariat may be commercially sensitive,

  1. To request the Secretariat to review the annual reports submitted by parties that are allowed to use controlled substances as process agents;
  2. Also to request the Secretariat to seek clarification from the parties if any deviations of the reported data from the maximum emission limits set out in table B of decision XXXI/6, or in any future decision of the parties by which table B may be further amended, are identified;
  3. Further to request the Secretariat to bring to the attention of the Implementation Committee any deviations referred to in paragraph 2 of the present decision still remaining after clarification, without disclosing the reported data;
  4. To request the Secretariat to inform the Implementation Committee if the reports contain data on make-up or consumption amounts.