The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone
Brief History of the Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol came into existence on September 16th 1987. This agreement was initially
signed by a group of countries concerned with the rate at which the earth’s protective shield (The
Ozone Layer) was being depleted. This agreement governs the protection of the Ozone Layer
through various activities aimed at phasing out the production and consumption of harmful
chemicals responsible for the depletion of the Ozone Layer.
The Montreal Protocol has achieved universal participation with 197 countries as parties and has
proven to be one of the most outstanding environmental agreements to date.
National Response
The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of St.Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) within the Sustainable
Development Unit, Ministry of Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, Industry,
Information and Labour was given the mandate to carry out all activities related to Ozone layer
protection and implementation of the ideals of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete
the Ozone Layer.
In fulfillment of the requirement of the Protocol SVG indentified activities and initiatives that would
be undertaken to achieve a total phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), including
institutional strengthening, public awareness activities, development and enforcement of regulations,
and training of key stakeholders.
Some of SVG’s Achievements since Inception

Completion of Terminal Phase-out Management Plan (TPMP) - Through the successful
implementation of the TPMP, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was able to record zero imports of
CFCs by December 2007, two years ahead of its scheduled deadline.
 Approval of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) - The HPMP for
SVG was approved by the 64th Meeting of the Executive Committee on July 28 th, 2011. SVG is the
first country from the English speaking Caribbean and Latin American region that was granted
approval for an accelerated phase-out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
 Continued successful implementation of a licensing and quota system, which is essential to
maintain compliance under the Montreal Protocol.

Establishment of the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Technicians Association (RACTA) SVG.

The establishment of a fully equipped and comprehensive refrigeration and air-conditioning
laboratory at the Technical and Vocational Education Division of the Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines Community College. It is the first of its kind in the Caribbean region and has
been used as a benchmark for other islands. It is designed specifically to provide specialized
training in environmental sound servicing, retrofitting, recovery, recycling and use of
alternatives to ozone depleting substances.

By December 2013, importation of HCFCs was reduced by 36%: placing SVG three years ahead of
the proposed phased out schedule of the HPMP.

Established five (5) refrigeration and air-conditioning recovery centres within SVG.

Training and certification of over 100 refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians in Good
Practices, recovery, recycling and retrofitting of HCFCs, alternative
technology and natural
refrigerant with particular emphasis on hydrocarbon technology (HC), in recent years.

Training of over 100 Customs officers in monitoring and control of ozone depleting substances and
enforcement of the Montreal Protocol regulations.

Development and distribution of ozone educational handbooks for children and adults.

The successful phase-out and ban on the importation of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and
equipment that use CFCs.
Ozone Layer
Protection
Ozone is a
colorless gas made up of three Oxygen atoms (O3)
located 10 – 50km
in the earths stratosphere. It is formed when Ultra
Violet radiation
strikes an oxygen molecule (O2) and splits it. The atomic
oxygen then associates itself with another O2 molecule to form Ozone. The Ozone Layer protects
the earth from cell-damaging Ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Destruction of the Ozone Layer
Manmade chemicals such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and their blends containing Chlorine,
Bromine or Fluorine atoms once released into the atmosphere destroys the
Ozone Layer. These gases, through several chemical
reactions, causes the ozone molecules to break down, reducing ozone's UV
radiation-absorbing capacity. Theses Chemicals are found in items such as
refrigerators, air-conditions (mobile and stationary), and Fire extinguishers just to name a few.
Effects of Ozone
Layer Depletion
Protecting the
ozone layer is essential since the UV radiation from
the Sun can cause
a variety of human health problems, including skin
cancers, eye
cataracts, and a reduction in the body's immunity to
disease.
Furthermore, ultraviolet radiation can be damaging to
the basis of the world’s food chain, while a loss of ozone in the stratosphere may even affect the
global climate.
Protecting yourself from harmful UV radiation
UV radiation is at its highest between the hours of 10am – 4pm. If your are going to be outside for a
period of time between these hours you can protect yourself;
1. Wear a broad rimmed hat, this will reduce UV-B exposure to the eyes by up to 50%, or use an
umbrella.
2. Wear sun glasses that provide at least 98% UV-B protection.
3. Use sunscreen or sun block with SPF 15 or greater to protect the skin from over exposure to
UV-B rays. Reapply regularly especially when exposed to the sun for long periods.
4. Wear clothing that minimizes exposure to the sun such as long sleeved shirts or blouse, long
pants and skirts.
Preserving the Ozone Layer
Each of us can play a part to protect the Ozone layer by:
 Have a trained technician retrofit any equipment/s that contain CFCs, HCFCs or ODS and
their blends.
 Have a technician trained in “Good Practices” service your appliances.
 Importers should import ONLY ozone and climate friendly substances.
 Merchants and retailers should import ozone friendly appliances and equipments for resale.
 Custom Officers should demonstrate vigilance at the ports of entry, ensuring all refrigerants
and equipments are permitted in the country.
 Look for NO-CFC/NO HCFC labels when purchasing appliances
Message to Importers of ODS and Refrigerants
Proper legal procedures MUST be followed in order to import ODS and refrigerants into SVG. According to
the Montreal Protocol (Substances that Depletes the Ozone Layer) (Control) Regulations, 2005:
1. A person MUST be a registered importer to import refrigerants.
2. Registered importers MUST obtain the approval of the Ministry… for any ODS and refrigerants
in approved quantities PRIOR to an order being placed.
3. An import license is required for each import of ODS and refrigerant into SVG.
4. An application for an import license is to be made to the NOU with supporting documentation
i.e. invoice or bill of laden
5. Failure to comply is considered an offence, and persons who contravenes is liable on summary
conviction to a fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000), and any goods imported shall be
liable to forfeiture in accordance with the regulations and may be seized and detained by
the Comptroller of Customs and Excise.
Registration to become an importer of refrigerants runs from 1 -31 January annually.
For more information feel free to contact The National Ozone Unit at Tel: 784-485-6992, Email:
[email protected].