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/15: Status of the establishment of licensing systems under Article 4B, paragraph 2 bis, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

The Thirty-Sixth Meeting of the Parties,

Noting that Article 4B, paragraph 2 bis, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer requires each party to establish and implement a system for licensing the import and export of new, used, recycled and reclaimed controlled substances listed in Annex F to the Montreal Protocol,

Noting with appreciation that 154 of the 160 parties to the Montreal Protocol that have ratified the Kigali Amendment have reported the establishment and operation of import and export licensing systems for Annex F controlled substances as required, and that five parties that have not yet ratified the Kigali Amendment have also reported the establishment and implementation of such licensing systems,

Noting, however, that the three parties listed in the annex to the present decision have not yet reported to the Ozone Secretariat on the establishment and operation of their licensing systems pursuant to Article 4B, paragraph 3,

Recognizing that licensing systems provide for data collection and verification, the monitoring of imports and exports of controlled substances and the prevention of illegal trade,

Recognizing also that the successful phase-out of most controlled substances by parties is largely attributable to the establishment and implementation of licensing systems to control the import and export of ozone-depleting substances,

Decides:

  1. To take note with appreciation of the efforts made by the parties in the establishment and operation of licensing systems for Annex F controlled substances under Article 4B, paragraph 2 bis, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer;
  2. To urge the three parties listed in the annex to the present decision to provide information to the Ozone Secretariat on the establishment and operation of licensing systems as a matter of urgency, and by no later than 31 March 2025, for consideration by the Implementation Committee under the Non‑Compliance Procedure for the Montreal Protocol at its seventy-fourth meeting;
  3. To also urge all parties to the Montreal Protocol that have ratified the Kigali Amendment and that have not yet established and implemented import and export licensing systems for controlled substances under Annex F to the Montreal Protocol to do so and to report that information to the Ozone Secretariat within three months of doing so;
  4. To request the Ozone Secretariat to review periodically the status of the establishment of import and export licensing systems for Annex F controlled substances by all parties to the Montreal Protocol, as called for in Article 4B, paragraph 4, thereof.

Annex to decision XXXVI/15

Parties that have not yet reported on the establishment and operation of licensing systems pursuant to Article 4B, paragraph 2 bis

  1. Angola
  2. Kenya
  3. San Marino