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 XXXVI/11: Avoiding imports of energy-inefficient products and equipment containing or relying on controlled substances

The Thirty-Sixth Meeting of the Parties,

Noting with appreciation the significant role of decision XXVII/8 in establishing a list of parties that do not permit the importation of products and equipment containing or relying on hydrochlorofluorocarbons and do not want to receive such products or equipment,

Considering that parties, in implementing their Kigali implementation plans, may benefit from the positive experience of parties in implementing the provisions of decision XXVII/8,

Decides:

  1. To invite parties that have restricted the import of products and equipment containing or relying on controlled substances, including with respect to energy efficiency, to provide information thereon, on a voluntary basis, to the Ozone Secretariat;
  2. To invite parties that have national policies, standards – including minimum energy performance standards – or legislation on products and equipment containing or relying on controlled substances that do not lead to import prohibitions to inform the Ozone Secretariat, on a voluntary basis, of such national policies, standards – including minimum energy performance standards – or legislation, specifying the categories of equipment concerned;
  3. To request the Ozone Secretariat to publish on its website separate lists of information received in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 above and to update that information when new information is submitted to the Ozone Secretariat.