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 XXVII/8: Avoiding the unwanted import of products and equipment containing or relying on hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Noting with appreciation the historical role of decision X/9, on the Establishment of a list of countries that do not manufacture for domestic use and do not wish to import products and equipment whose continuing functioning relies on Annex A and Annex B substances, adopted by the Tenth Meeting of the Parties in November 1998, in limiting the use and furthering the phase-out of substances specified in Annex A and Annex B to the Montreal Protocol during the implementation of country programmes on phasing out chlorofluorocarbons and halons,

Taking into consideration that decision X/9 covers only the substances specified in Annex A and Annex B to the Montreal Protocol,

Bearing in mind that during the implementation of country programmes on phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons parties may take advantage of the positive experience of implementation of the main provisions of decision X/9, particularly in developing countries, by introducing bans or restrictions on the import of products and equipment containing or relying on substances specified in Annex C to the Montreal Protocol (hydrochlorofluorocarbons),

Taking into consideration that some parties have already introduced bans or restrictions on the import of products and equipment containing or relying on hydrochlorofluorocarbons and therefore wish to inform exporting countries of that fact through existing mechanisms under the Montreal Protocol,

  1. To invite those parties that do not permit the importation of products and equipment containing or relying on hydrochlorofluorocarbons from any source to inform the Secretariat, on a voluntary basis, if they so choose, that they do not consent to the importation of such products and equipment;
  2. To request the Secretariat to maintain a list of parties that do not want to receive products and equipment containing or relying on hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which shall be distributed to all parties by the Secretariat and updated on an annual basis;