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.

Annex I:    Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer relating to the controlled substances in Annex C, Group I, for parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5

 Article 2F, paragraph 6

 The following sentence shall be added in paragraph 6 of Article 2F of the Protocol after the words “does not exceed zero.” and before the word “However:”:

“This paragraph will apply save to the extent that the Parties decide to permit the level of production or consumption that is necessary to satisfy uses agreed by them to be essential.”

Article 2F, paragraph 6 (a)

In paragraph 6 (a) of Article 2F of the Protocol,

There shall be inserted a colon after the words “restricted to”

The words “the servicing of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment existing on 1 January 2020;” shall be moved to a new subparagraph 6 (a) (i)

The following subparagraphs shall be inserted after the new subparagraph 6 (a) (i)

“(ii) The servicing of fire suppression and fire protection equipment existing on 1 January 2020;

(iii) Solvent applications in rocket engine manufacturing; and

(iv) Topical medical aerosol applications for the specialised treatment of burns.”

Article 2F, paragraph 6(b)

In paragraph 6 (b) of Article 2F of the Protocol,

There shall be inserted a colon after the words “restricted to”

The words “The servicing of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment existing on 1 January 2020.” shall be moved to a new subparagraph 6 (b) (i)

For the period following “2020” there shall be substituted a semicolon

The following subparagraphs shall be inserted after the new subparagraph 6 (b) (i)

“(ii) The servicing of fire suppression and fire protection equipment existing on 1 January 2020;

(iii) Solvent applications in rocket engine manufacturing; and

(iv) Topical medical aerosol applications for the specialised treatment of burns.”

Article 5, paragraph 8 ter (e)

The following sentence shall be added in paragraph 8 ter (e) of Article 5 of the Protocol after the words “does not exceed zero.” and before the word “However:”:

“This paragraph will apply save to the extent that the Parties decide to permit the level of production or consumption that is necessary to satisfy uses agreed by them to be essential.”

Article 5, paragraph 8 ter (e) (i)

In paragraph 8 ter (e) (i) of Article 5 of the Protocol,

There shall be inserted a colon after the words “restricted to”

The words “The servicing of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment existing on 1 January 2030;” shall be moved to a new subparagraph 8 ter (e) (i) a.

The following subparagraphs shall be inserted after the new subparagraph 8 ter (e) (i) a.

“b. The servicing of fire suppression and fire protection equipment existing on 1 January 2030;

c. Solvent applications in rocket engine manufacturing; and

d. Topical medical aerosol applications for the specialized treatment of burns.”

Article 5, paragraph 8 ter (e) (ii)

In paragraph 8 ter (e) (ii) of Article 5 of the Protocol,

There shall be inserted a colon after the words “restricted to”

The words “the servicing of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment existing on 1 January 2030.” shall be moved to a new subparagraph 8 ter (e) (ii) a.

For the period following “2030” there shall be substituted a semicolon

The following subparagraphs shall be inserted after the new subparagraph 8 ter (e) (ii) a.

“b. The servicing of fire suppression and fire protection equipment existing on 1 January 2030;

c. Solvent applications in rocket engine manufacturing; and

d. Topical medical aerosol applications for the specialized treatment of burns.”