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 XXI/15: Reporting of methyl bromide for quarantine and pre‑shipment use

Noting that quarantine and pre-shipment applications are currently not controlled under the Montreal Protocol,

Noting also that some Parties may not be reporting data fully on these applications,

Noting further the difficulty of assessing non-compliance with the reporting obligations for quarantine and pre-shipment applications of methyl bromide owing to the current procedure for processing data reported under Article 7 of the Montreal Protocol,

To urge Parties that have not reported data on quarantine and pre-shipment applications for previous years to do so expeditiously and to urge all Parties to report such data annually as required under paragraph 3 of Article 7 of the Montreal Protocol;