المملكة: The environment addresses trade: an obligation to reduce 67.5% of ozone-harming compounds in 2025

The Minister of Environmental Commitment, that the second phase of the management plan for the final disposal of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) includes precise timetables.

The letter indicated that the annual quota system for these compounds has been implemented since January 1, 2013.

The actual reduction began in 2015 by 10%, and reached 35% in 2020, and is scheduled to rise to 67.5% by 2025, reaching 100% complete elimination in 2030.

The Minister stressed the necessity of strict adherence to the unified system of the GCC Gulf Cooperation regarding substances that deplete the ozone layer, as well as the executive regulations of the Saudi environmental system related to these substances and hydrofluorocarbons.

He stressed that the regulations include the necessity of obtaining prior environmental approval when concluding any contracts or projects related to controlled materials, devices and equipment.

The instructions also require obtaining an import, export or re-export permit for materials listed in the Montreal Protocol and its amendments, in implementation of Article Two of The Chemical Substances Management System and its Executive Regulations.

Al-Fadhli pointed out that these measures come in the context of the Kingdom’s commitment to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and all amendments attached to it.