Substances that deplete the ozone layer

OBJECTIVE: to adopt a new Regulation on substances which deplete the ozone layer, to replace Council Regulation (EC) No 3093/94. SUBSTANCE: the proposal for a new Regulation, transposing into Community law the amendments to the Montreal Protocol adopted in September 1997, provides for a series of new measures to protect the ozone layer. The main elements of the proposal are as follows: 1) further action on hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs): - reduction of the HCFC placing on the market 'cap' from 2.6% to 2% by 2001; - tighter HCFC end use controls: the proposal phases out HCFCs where alternatives exist; - production freeze and production phase-out schedule for HCFCs: to ensure that Community producers are not placed at a disadvantage on the international market; 2) phase-out of production and consumption of methyl bromide by 01/01/2001, with exemptions for 'critical uses', permitted where farmers would encounter particular problems in making the transition; 3) general prohibition on the placing on the market and use of CFCs and other fully halogenated substances, with exemptions for 'essential uses' and some limited exemptions to ease transition; 4) trade controls: the proposal includes provision for introducing a system for the authorisation of exports of other ozone-depleting substances. The aim is to allow exchanges of information and facilitate measures against illegal trade. �