The Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the ozone layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The treaty was opened for signature on 16 September 1987 and entered into force on 1 January 1989 followed by a first meeting in Helsinki (May 1989). Since then, it has undergone seven revisions.

Due to its widespread adoption and implementation it has been hailed as an example of exceptional international cooperation with Kofi Annan quoted as saying it is “Perhaps the single most successful international agreement to date…”

The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere between about 30 km above the earth. The ozone layer protects us from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Thinning of the ozone layer increases the amount of UV reaching the earth which can increase skin cancers, suppress the body’s immune system making people more vulnerable to disease, can cause cataracts and other eye disorders, damage marine life and reduce crop yields.

Thinning of the ozone layer was first reported in 1975. It was identified that certain chemicals notably Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), Halons, Carbon Tetrachloride and Trichloroethane which are highly stable and eventually reach the stratosphere and are broken down by UV radiation, releasing free chlorine or bromine which catalyzes the destruction of ozone. Scientists predict that the ozone layer will recover if we cease emissions of the chemicals which are causing the damage, although it will be a slow process.

Efforts to control and phase-out ozone depleting substances was led by the United Nations. The 1987 Montreal Protocol on the Control of Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer requires the signatory governments to regulate consumption and production. UAE is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol.

The protocol divides countries into two classes based on their level of use of controlled substances. Developed countries were required to cease all production and importation of controlled substances on 1 January 1996. Developing countries (Article 5 countries) have a 10 year grace period to meet the phase out targets. This grace period is a time to plan to meet the phase out targets in an orderly economical way. Alternatives already exist and these will become increasingly cheaper, while the cost of controlled substances will rise as supplies are harder to obtain.

The UAE has been making strong progress to reduce Ozone depleting substances such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Methyl bromide, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs).

Even though UAE was never a producer of CFC, it was one of the first countries to be a signatory to the Montreal Protocol, a treaty to phase out use of CFC and ozone-depleting substances. Back in 1999, the UAE issued Federal Law No. 13 for 1999 which controlled the import of ozone-depleting substances. It also issued Ministerial Decree No. 16 for 2003 which established fees on the licenses issued to import ozone-depleting substances