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/10: Non-compliance with the Montreal Protocol by Bosnia and Herzegovina

Noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina ratified the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on 1 September 1993, the London Amendment, the Copenhagen Amendment and the Montreal Amendment on 11 August 2003 and the Beijing Amendment on 11 October 2011 and is classified as a party operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol,

Noting also that the Executive Committee has approved $4,154,601 from the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol in accordance with Article 10 of the Protocol to enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to achieve compliance with the Protocol,

  1. That Bosnia and Herzegovina reported annual consumption for the controlled substances in Annex C, group I (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), for 2013 of 5.13 ODP-tonnes, which exceeds the party’s maximum allowable consumption of 4.7 ODP-tonnes for those controlled substances for that year, and was therefore in non‑compliance with the consumption control measures under the Protocol for hydrochlorofluorocarbons;
  2. To note with appreciation the submission by Bosnia and Herzegovina of a plan of action to ensure its return to compliance with the Protocol’s hydrochlorofluorocarbon consumption control measures in 2014 and subsequent years;
  3. To note also with appreciation that the party submitted an explanation for its non‑compliance, which confirmed that it had introduced a comprehensive set of measures necessary to ensure future compliance;
  4. That the party’s submission of ozone-depleting-substance data for 2014 showed that Bosnia and Herzegovina was in compliance with its hydrochlorofluorocarbon consumption obligations under the control measures of the Protocol;
  5. That no further action is necessary in view of the party’s return to compliance with the hydrochlorofluorocarbon phase‑out in 2014 and its implementation of regulatory and administrative measures to ensure compliance with the Protocol’s control measures for hydrochlorofluorocarbons for subsequent years;
  6. To monitor closely the party’s progress with regard to the implementation of its obligations under the Protocol;