Substances that deplete the ozone layer

The Conciliation Committee reached agreement on a joint text on the regulation on substances that deplete the ozone layer. The agreement reached regarding the most important amendment (no. 15) contained two elements: a compromise on the proposed dates and a review clause. For the phase-out of HCFCs in refrigeration and air-conditioning plants the following dates were agreed: 2010 for virgin HCFCs and 2015 for recycled HDFCs. In addition, a review clause was introduced which allowed for a modification of the phase-out date of recyled HCFCs. Before the end of 2008 the Commission would review the technical and economic availability of alternatives to recycled HCFCs. The results of this assessment would be the basis for a possible modification of the agreed date. Parliament's delegation felt that the agreement reached, particularly for the ban on recycled HCFCs where the Council had not wished to see any date at the start of the negociation, could be considered as satisfactory and allowed for an early entry into force of the regulation. It therefore recommended that Parliament adopt the joint text. �