Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer: amendment

PURPOSE : to approve the amendment to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. CONTENT : in September 1997, a third amendment to the Montreal Protocol on the substances that deplete the ozone layer was adopted in Montreal. The most significant changes to the Montreal Protocol include: - a ban on trade of methyl bromide with any State not Party to the Montreal Protocol; - a ban on exports of used, recycled and reclaimed controlled substances from Parties which are in non-compliance with the control measures in the Montreal Protocol; - a mandatory licensing system for imports and exports of controlled ozone depleting substances. These measures are within the scope of Community competence. The Commission negotiated these amendments on behalf of the European Community during the Ninth Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol in September 1997. Negotiations were conducted in line with the negotiating mandate for that meeting received from the Council, and the provisions of the amendment are consistent with the Community's ozone protection policy. It is worth noting that the legal measures necessary to implement these new controls are included in the recently proposed Community ozone regulation (see 1998/0228 COD).�