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 XXIV/14: Reporting of zero in Article 7 data reporting forms

Recalling the need for consistent reporting of production, imports, exports and destruction of ozone-depleting substances in accordance with article 7 of the Montreal Protocol,

Noting that the forms for reporting in accordance with article 7 submitted by parties sometimes contain blank cells, in which no numbers indicating quantities of ozone-depleting substances are entered,

Noting also that such blank cells could be intended by a party in a given case to indicate zero controlled substances or, alternatively, could represent non‑reporting by that party in respect of those substances,

  1. To request parties, when reporting production, imports, exports or destruction, to enter a number in each cell in the data reporting forms that they submit, including zero, where appropriate, rather than leaving the cell blank;
  2. To ask the Secretariat to request clarification from any party that submits a reporting form containing a blank cell;