The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer1 provides for the phase-out, by the year 2000, of CFCs and other chemicals damaging to the ozone layer.2 These chemicals are widely used in a number of industries–as refrigerants, solvents, foam blowing substances, aerosols, and fire extinguishers. The phaseout of these substances has serious trade implications for both Parties and non-Parties to the Protocol.
To encourage countries to join the Protocol, and to prevent companies that manufacture or use CFCs from shifting their operations to non-Party countries, the Protocol restricts trade in CFCs and CFC-related products with non-Parties. In addition to restricting trade with non-Parties, the Protocol contains a number of provisions that restrict trade in contfolled substances between Parties. Finally, the Protocol·contains provisions for financial assistance and transfer of technology to help developing countries meet their obligations under the Protocol.