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 XXII/16: Non-compliance with the Montreal Protocol by the Republic of Korea

  1. To note that the Republic of Korea reported the export of 37 metric tonnes of hydrochlorofluorocarbons in 2008 and 18.2 metric tonnes of hydrochlorofluorocarbons in 2009 to a State classified as not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol that is also a State not party to the Copenhagen Amendment to the Protocol, which places the party in non-compliance with the trade restriction against non-parties to the Protocol;
  2. To note, however, that the party has taken measures not to export hydrochlorofluorocarbons to any State not party to the Copenhagen and Beijing Amendments to the Montreal Protocol in 2010 and in subsequent years except to parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol;
  3. That no further action is necessary in view of the undertaking by the Republic of Korea not to authorize any further exports of hydrochlorofluorocarbons to any non-party to the relevant amendments to the Montreal Protocol except to parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol;
  4. To monitor closely the party's progress with regard to the implementation of its obligations under the Montreal Protocol;