UNEP Assists China on Ozone Policy with Climate Benefits
1 June 2010: The Government of China, with policy advice received from the UN Environment Programme Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (UNEP DTIE), has enacted regulations that include controls over consumption, trade, import, export and production of remaining Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).
As many ODS are also powerful greenhouse gases (GHG), China's ODS Regulation will contribute to climate protection efforts by reducing the emissions of thousands of millions of tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. China is the world's largest producer of ODS and the new regulation enacts strong control measures across all sectors using ODS. Annual quota limits will now be required for ODS producers and consumers. ODS servicing firms, as well as recovery and recycling businesses, must register with their local or Provincial Environmental Protection Bureau. The regulation will also increase the transparency of cross-border trade by strengthening the ODS import/export license system. China is also developing a hydrochloroflourocarbon (HCFC) phase-out management plan. [UNEP Press Release]