The Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 were notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules provide the legal framework for India to meet its obligations under the Montreal Protocol (1987) and its subsequent amendments, specifically focusing on the phase-out of substances that damage the stratospheric ozone layer.
Regulatory Framework and Authorities
The implementation of ODS rules is managed by the Ozone Cell under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Key Administrative Provisions
- Mandatory Registration: Every producer, consumer, trader, and importer of ODS must register with the MoEF&CC.
- Licensing System: Import and export of ODS are strictly regulated through a licensing system overseen by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) based on recommendations from the Ozone Cell.
- Reporting: Registered entities must submit annual reports detailing the production, sale, and consumption of ODS.
- Prohibition on New Capacity: The rules prohibit the setting up of new industrial units or expansion of existing units for manufacturing ODS or ODS-based products.
Classification of Controlled Substances
The rules categorize substances based on their Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP).
| Group | Key Substances | Phase-out Status (India) |
| Group I & II | CFCs (11, 12, 113) and Halons | Completely Phased Out (since Jan 2010). |
| Group III | Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC) | Completely Phased Out (since Jan 2010). |
| Group VI | Methyl Bromide | Phased out for non-quarantine/pre-shipment uses. |
| Group VIII | HCFCs (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) | Manufacturing Phase-out (completed by Dec 2024). |
| New Group | HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons) | Phase-down started; freeze date set for 2028. |
The Kigali Amendment and HFC Phase-down
In 2021, India ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. This is significant because HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons) do not deplete the ozone layer but are potent greenhouse gases with high GWP.
Recent Policy Shift (2024-2026)
- Ban on New HFC Clearances: As of April 2026, the Government has directed all authorities to stop granting environmental clearances for new or additional HFC production capacity beyond December 31, 2027.
- HFC Freeze Year: India belongs to Group 2 of the Kigali Amendment. Its HFC consumption will “freeze” (not exceed a baseline level) starting January 1, 2028.
- Phase-down Schedule: After the 2028 freeze, India will reduce HFC use by 10% in 2032, 20% in 2037, and 85% by 2047.
India’s Achievements in ODS Management
India has been recognized globally for its proactive compliance with the Montreal Protocol targets.
Major Milestones
- CFC Phase-out: India successfully phased out Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in 2010, two years ahead of the global schedule for developing nations.
- HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP): Stage-II of this plan was successfully concluded by the end of 2024, resulting in the total phase-out of HCFCs in the manufacturing of new equipment (refrigerators, ACs).
- India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP): Launched as the first-of-its-kind globally to address cooling requirements cross-sectorally while reducing refrigerant demand.
Comparison of Ozone-Related Agreements
| Agreement | Focus Area | Indian Status |
| Vienna Convention (1985) | Framework for protection of ozone layer. | Party since 1991. |
| Montreal Protocol (1987) | Mandatory phase-out of ODS (CFCs, HCFCs). | Party since 1992. |
| Kigali Amendment (2016) | Phase-down of HFCs (Greenhouse gases). | Ratified in 2021. |
Critical Trivia for UPSC Prelims
- Ozone Day: Observed on September 16 every year to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol.
- Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP): A relative measure where CFC-11 is assigned a value of 1.0. HCFCs typically have an ODP between 0.01 and 0.5.
- Exemptions: Use of ODS is still permitted for “Essential Uses” (like Metered Dose Inhalers for asthma) and “Quarantine and Pre-shipment” (QPS) applications for Methyl Bromide.
- Chemical Transition: The industry has moved from CFCs (High ODP, High GWP) → HCFCs (Low ODP, High GWP) → HFCs (Zero ODP, High GWP) → HFOs/Natural Refrigerants (Zero ODP, Low GWP).