Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations: frequently asked questions

1. What is the purpose of these regulations?

The Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (ODSHAR) repeal and replace the Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, 1998 and implement Canada’s international obligations related to ozone-depleting substances as set out in the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol) by controlling the export, import, manufacture, sale and certain uses of ozone-depleting substances.

2. What are the key elements of these regulations?

The Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations control the export, import, manufacture, sale and certain uses of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and products containing or designed to contain them. These controls include the gradual elimination of ODS, a requirement to obtain written authorizations for certain activities and a requirement to report on the export, import and manufacture of ODS. Several ODS have already been phased out, while hydrochlorofluorocarbons are in the process of being phased out.

The regulations also require that permits be obtained for the import, export and manufacture of hydrofluorocarbons, and that reports on these activities be submitted.

3. How do these regulations affect Canadian businesses?

The Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Regulations apply to companies exporting, importing, manufacturing, selling and using ozone-depleting substances and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Ozone-depleting substances and HFCs are used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as foam blowing agents, as aerosol propellants, as solvents for cleaning and as fire extinguishing agents.

The regulations also apply to companies who import, sell and use methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting substance that is used as a structural fumigant as well as a soil fumigant in the production of certain crops.

4. What is the timeline for implementation?

The Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations, made under the authority of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, were published in the Canada Gazette II on June 29, 2016 and come into force on December 29, 2016.

The Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations repeal and replace the Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, 1998.

In 2020, the import and manufacture of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and products containing or designed to contain them, will be prohibited. However, an exemption will allow the import and manufacture of HCFC-123 for the servicing of existing equipment in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector to continue until 2030.

o5. Where can I get more information?

Regular mail:

Manager
Ozone Layer Protection and Export Controls
Chemical Production Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Place Vincent Massey
351 Boulevard Saint-Joseph 11th Floor
Gatineau QC
K1A 0H3

Telephone: 819-938-4228

Facsimile: 819-938-4218

E-mail: ec.gestionhalocarbures-halocarbonsmanagement.ec@canada.ca

Ozone layer web section

As part of compliance promotion efforts for the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations, additional information, highlighting key changes in the regulations, will be made available on the ozone layer web section.

For more information

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazette and consulting with Canadians websites.

Note

This document is intended to provide contextual information on the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations. It does not replace the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 or the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations. In the event of any inconsistencies, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations shall prevail.

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