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 XXIII/27: Non-compliance with the Montreal Protocol by the Russian Federation

Noting that the Russian Federation reported the export of 70.2 metric tonnes of Annex C, group I, controlled substances (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) in 2009 to a State classified as not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol that was also a State not party to the Copenhagen Amendment or the Beijing Amendment to the Protocol in that year, which places the Russian Federation in non‑compliance with the provisions of Article 4 of the Protocol prohibiting trade with any State not party to the Protocol,

  1. That no further action is necessary in view of the party’s implementation of regulatory and administrative measures to ensure its compliance with the provisions of the Protocol governing trade with non-parties;
  2. To monitor closely the party’s progress with regard to the implementation of its obligations under the Montreal Protocol;