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 XXVIII/8: Phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Aware that parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol (non‑Article 5 parties) are taking measures to reduce and eventually eliminate the production and consumption of the ozone-depleting substances listed in Annex C, group I (hydrochlorofluorocarbons),

Recognizing a need for continued consideration of issues related to hydrochlorofluorocarbons as indicated in paragraphs 12, 13, and 14 of decision XIX/6, and taking into account the report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel in response to decision XXVII/5,

Noting that Article 5 parties may require access to hydrochlorofluorocarbons produced by
non-Article 5 parties to satisfy their basic domestic needs after 2020,

  1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, in relation to Annex C, group I, substances:
    1. To continue to assess sectors, including subsectors, if any, where essential uses for non‑Article 5 parties may be needed after 1 January 2020, including estimates of the volumes of hydrochlorofluorocarbons that may be needed;
    2. To continue to assess the servicing requirements for refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment and any other possible needs in other sectors between 2020 and 2030 for non-Article 5 parties;
    3. To continue to review recent volumes of production of each of the hydrochlorofluorocarbons to satisfy basic domestic needs and to make projected estimates of such future production and estimated needs of Article 5 parties to satisfy basic domestic needs beyond 1 January 2020;
  2. To request the Panel to report on the assessment referred to above to the Open‑ended Working Group at its thirty-ninth meeting, in 2017;
  3. To invite parties to provide relevant information to the Ozone Secretariat by 15 March 2017 for inclusion in the Panel’s assessment;