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 XX/9: Application of the Montreal Protocol's trade provisions to hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Recalling

decision XV/3, which clarifies the definition of States not party to the Montreal Protocol for the purposes of obligations of Parties to the Copenhagen and Beijing Amendments to the Montreal Protocol in respect of control measures on hydrochlorofluorocarbons,

Noting decision XIX/6, by which the Parties agreed to accelerate the phase‑out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons, including the establishment of the new freeze date of 1 January 2013 for Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5,

Acknowledging that the accelerated phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons as determined by decision XIX/6 brings forward control measures for hydrochlorofluorocarbons for Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol from 2016 to 2013,

  1. To annul paragraph 1 (a) of decision XV/3, which reads

    the term “State not party to this Protocol” in Article 4, paragraph 9 does not apply to those States operating under Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Protocol until 1 January 2016 when, in accordance with the Copenhagen and Beijing Amendments, hydrochlorofluorocarbon production and consumption control measures will be in effect for States that operate under Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Protocol;

    and replace it with: the term “State not party to this Protocol” in Article 4, paragraph 9, does not apply to those States operating under Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Protocol until 1 January 2013 when, in accordance with the Copenhagen and Beijing Amendments, hydrochlorofluorocarbon production and consumption control measures will be in effect for States that operate under Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Protocol;