Substances that deplete the ozone layer

PURPOSE : to adopt a new Regulation relating to substances that deplete the ozone layer. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Regulation 2037/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on substances that deplete the ozone layer. CONTENT : following the agreement reached in conciliation between the European Parliament and the Council, the latter formally adopted the Regulation relating to substances which deplete the ozone layer, which replaces the current instrument for implementing the Montreal Protocol, i.e. Council Regulation 3093/94/EC. The conciliation agreement mainly concerned the progressive ban on the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons for the maintenance or servicing of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. The dates agreed are 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2015 for virgin and recycled HCFCs respectively. A review clause has been added (31 December 2008) so that the date from which recycled HCFCs are banned can be changed depending on the technical and economic availabilty of alternative solutions. It should be noted that the Regulation provides for measures which go further than the Protocol, on the basis of experience with the existing Regulation and of progress in the availability of alternative substances. The main features are as follows: - a phase-out of the production and consumption of methyl bromide (a broad-spectrum pesticide gas used in agriculture to control soil borne pests) by 2005 with 60% cut in 2001 and 75% cut in 2003 in relation to the levels of 1999; - the introduction of controls on HCFCs; - further controls, including tighter deadlines, for all uses of HCFC, as solvents, refigerants and foams; - a new ban on the sale and use of CFCs, halons, carbontetrachloride and 1,1,1-trichloroethane and further controls on trade in ozone-depleting substances; - action against new ozone-depleting substances; and immediate ban on production, sales and use of bromochloromethane and a provision including other new ozone-depleting substances not yet covered by the Montreal Protocol. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 30.09.2000. This Regulation shall apply from 01.10.2000.�