Data & Statistics

Phasing Out of Ozone Depleting Substances in Hong Kong

To help protect the earth's ozone layer, the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance (OLPO) was enacted in July 1989 giving effect to Hong Kong's international obligations under the 1987 Montreal Protocol and its amendments to control the import and export of ozone depleting substances.

Under the Montreal Protocol as amended in the Copenhagen meeting in November 1992, an accelerated schedule to phase out ozone depleting substances was adopted. Hong Kong has put a programme in place which will achieve the controls and timetable provided for in the Protocol.

Through a quota and licensing system, Hong Kong has made progress in phasing out ozone depleting substances. As from 1 January 1994, halon imports have been banned for local consumption. Starting from 1 January 1995, methyl bromide imports have been restricted to local quarantine and pre-shipment applications only. There are also bans on importing CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, HBFCs, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane for local consumption, all from 1 January 1996. Control of HCFC imports also began on 1 January 1996.

According to the adjustment adopted by the 19th Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol, held in Montreal in September 2007, the timetable for phasing out HCFCs is accelerated. The reduction in consumption of HCFCs by 1 January 2010 is to be changed from 65% to 75%.
 
 
Phasing out of Ozone Depleting Substances under Montreal Protocol
 
CFCs   75% reduction of consumption by 1 January 1994,
100% reduction of consumption by 1 January 1996
   
   
   
Halons   100% reduction of consumption by 1 January 1994
   
   
   
Carbon Tetrachloride   85% reduction of consumption by 1 January 1995,
100% reduction of consumption by 1 January 1996
   
   
   
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (Methyl Chloroform)   50% reduction of consumption by 1 January 1994,
100% reduction of consumption by 1 January 1996
   
   
   
HCFCs   Freeze consumption at base level starting 1 January 1996,
35% reduction of consumption by 1 January 2004,
75% reduction of consumption by 1 January 2010,
90% reduction of consumption by 1 January 2015,
100% reduction of consumption by 1 January 2020[1]
 
 

[1] May allow 0.5% for servicing in the period 2020-2030. Such need will be reviewed by the Meeting of Parties to Montreal Protocol in 2017. 
 
   
   
HBFCs   100% reduction of consumption by 1 January 1996
   
   
   
Methyl Bromide   Restricted to quarantine and pre-shipment applications starting 1 January 1995
 

Consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances in Hong Kong

 
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