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 XVII/14: Difficulties faced by some Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol with respect to chlorofluorocarbons used in the manufacture of metered-dose inhalers

The Seventeenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVII/14:

Acknowledging that Parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol have phased out chlorofluorocarbons but under specific conditions, can apply for essential-use exemption for the consumption of chlorofluorocarbons in the manufacture of metered-dose inhalers as specified by the Meeting of the Parties,

Concerned that Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol which consume chlorofluorocarbons for the manufacture of metered-dose inhalers may find it difficult to phase out these substances without incurring economic losses to their countries,

Calling upon the parent pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the transfer of non-chlorofluorocarbon technologies to their joint venture partners in developing countries,

Noting the need for further work to be undertaken to assemble and document the new non-ozone-depleting substances methods of technology for metered-dose inhalers that would allow elimination of further uses of chlorofluorocarbons,

Noting with concern that there is a serious risk that, for some Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5, consumption levels in 2007 of chlorofluorocarbons for metered-dose inhaler uses may exceed the allowable amounts,

Aware of the critical need by Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 for the consumption of metered-dose inhalers for protecting human health,

Recognizing also the difficulties that may be faced by Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 in obtaining sufficient supply of Annex A, group I (chlorofluorocarbons) controlled substances during the period 2007-2009,

  1. To consider at the Eighteenth Meeting of the Parties a possible decision which would address the difficulties that some Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 may face in relation to metered-dose inhalers;
  2. To request the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund to examine situations such as these and consider options that might assist this potential situation of non-compliance;
  3. To request the Executive Committee to consider appropriate regional workshops to create awareness and educate stakeholders, including doctors and patients, on alternative metered-dose inhalers and on the elimination of chlorofluorocarbons in metered-dose inhaler uses and technical assistance to Article 5 Parties to phase out this use;
  4. To request the Open-ended Working Group at its twenty-sixth meeting to consider the issue.