Ozone-depleting substances - 2025 | Climate change mitigation: reducing emissions

Anthropogenic ozone-depleting substances destroy the protective ozone layer. In 1987, the international community established the Montreal Protocol to cut their consumption and production. To fulfil its obligations under the Montreal Protocol, the EU adopted an even more ambitious ozone layer protection policy, updated with the Ozone Regulation (EU) 2024/590. This online data viewer contains information on ozone-depleting substances in the EU, based on aggregated data reported by companies since 2006 under the EU ozone legislation.

Introduction

In 1989, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer entered into force. Its objective is to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The protocol covers around 100 individual substances with a high ozone-depleting potential (ODP), including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride (CTC), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), bromochloromethane (BCM) and methyl bromide (MB).

Within the European Union (EU), the use of and trade in these substances is regulated by Regulation (EU) 2024/590 (known as the Ozone Regulation) This regulation stipulates that all companies producing ozone-depleting substances or importing them into and/or exporting them out of the EU, as well as feedstock users, process agent users and destruction facilities, must report their activities concerning ozone-depleting substances annually. Substances regulated under the Montreal Protocol are listed in ‘Annex I’ of the EU Ozone Regulation. Halon-1202, which is covered under the Ozone Regulation Annex I, is not regulated under the Montreal Protocol. The Ozone Regulation also encompasses eight additional ODS that are not covered by the Montreal Protocol. These substances, which are listed in the Annex II of the Regulation, are methyl chloride (MC), ethyl bromide (EB), trifluoroiodomethane (TFIM), n-propyl bromide (n-PB), halon-1202, 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-en (2-BTP), dichloromethane (DCM) and perchloroethylene (PCE). Undertakings must also report their activities for these substances as for Annex I substances. Only destroyer and feedstock or process agent users have no reporting obligations regarding trade of Annex II substances within the EU.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) is responsible for collecting, archiving, checking and aggregating information contained in these company reports. The EEA also supports the companies in fulfilling their reporting obligations. In 2025, 205 companies reported on their 2024 activities under the EU Ozone Regulation. The EU data reported by companies on production, destruction, imports and exports are quality assured and aggregated by EEA before submitting the information to the Ozone Secretariat of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Ozone Secretariat is the administrative office for the Montreal Protocol. The submissions from all countries that are parties to the Protocol are checked by the Ozone Secretariat in order to monitor their progress in phasing out ODS in compliance with the Montreal Protocol.

The EU has already achieved its phase-out goals under the Montreal Protocol and reports on the uses that are still allowed.

This online data viewer summarises the most recent data reported by companies under the Ozone Regulation and looks at trends since 2006. Data from 2012 onwards were also updated, based on reports resubmitted after the reporting deadlines for these years.

Since the potential to harm the ozone layer varies among substances, results are expressed in both metric tonnes and ODP tonnes (see definition of ODP or ozone depleting potential in the terminology below). The observed trends can differ significantly depending on the unit used. Substances with a relatively high ODP (e.g. CFCs and CTC) exhibit a different trend from those with a relatively low ODP (e.g. HCFCs) compared to their trend in metric tonnes.

Consumption of controlled substances covered under Annex I of the Ozone Regulation

Consumption is an aggregated metric calculated for data reported under the Montreal Protocol (see Box 1 below). It integrates the statistics on imports, exports, production and destruction of ozone-depleting substances into one single metric, excluding non-virgin imports and exports. Amounts that are produced and imported for feedstock use within the EU and process agent use are not included in consumption figures, in line with calculations applied under the Montreal Protocol. Substances listed in Annex II to the EU Ozone Regulation are excluded from consumption data.

Box 1. Consumption

In brief, consumption (which only applies to Annex I substances) is calculated as follows:

CONSUMPTION = ADJUSTED PRODUCTION + ADJUSTED IMPORT - EXPORT - DESTRUCTION

with

ADJUSTED PRODUCTION = total production - production for feedstock in the EU - production for process agent use
ADJUSTED IMPORT = total virgin imports - virgin imports for feedstock use in the EU - virgin imports for process agent use
EXPORT = total virgin exports
DESTRUCTION = total virgin and non-virgin destruction

In 2024, the consumption of ozone-depleting substances was negative, amounting to -661 metric tonnes, down from 1,365 metric tonnes in 2023. The negative consumption level is the result of significantly increased destruction levels, up by 62% compared to 2023. The single activities that contribute to ODS consumption are shown in the figure below. If the sum of production and imports exceeds the sum of exports and destruction, the consumption is positive, and vice versa. In recent years, the consumption of ozone-depleting substances has largely been driven by CTC, HCFCs and CFC consumption. Expressed in ODP tonnes, consumption in 2024 amounted to-304 ODP tonnes, down from 1,801 ODP tonnes in 2023.

Figure: Trend in consumption of Annex I substances by activity

Imports of Annex I substances covered by the Ozone Regulation

In 2024, imports of Annex I virgin substances into the EU amounted to 2,122 metric tonnes, which represents a 40% decrease compared to 2023. Most of the imported virgin Annex I substances came from China (63%), followed by the USA (15%) and Israel (14%). Imports of Annex I substances were nearly entirely virgin substances (96%). HCFCs hold the largest share of the imported virgin quantities at 64%, followed by BCM and halons. Virgin substances were almost exclusively imported for feedstock use.

When expressed in ODP tonnes, imports also show a decreasing trend, down from 3,054 ODP tonnes in 2023 to 1,970 ODP tonnes in 2024. This is mainly due to decreased import of halons and HCFCs for feedstock use. Expressed in ODP tonnes, halons constitute the largest share in imported Annex I substances.

Figure: Trend in imports of Annex I virgin substances into the EU

Exports of Annex I substances covered by the Ozone Regulation

In 2024, exports of Annex I virgin substances from the EU amounted to 28,138 metric tonnes. Overall, exports increased by around 3% compared to 2023. This can be attributed to a 111% increase in export of HCFCs which increased from 2,949 metric tonnes in 2023 to 6,215 metric tonnes in 2024.

Despite the significant increase in HCFCs export, the overall quantity is balanced by a 10% decrease in CTC exports, decreasing from 24,268 in 2023 to 21,914 in 2024. Overall, CTC accounted for the largest quantities of exported virgin substances (78% of total exports when expressed in metric tonnes), followed by HCFCs (22% of total exports). Both CTC and HCFCs were mainly exported for feedstock use outside the EU. ODS quantities were mainly exported to the United States (96%) followed by Singapore (2%). Since almost no CTC was imported in 2024, the exported quantities were mainly produced in the EU or taken from stocks which had accumulated from previous years.

Looking at ODP tonnes, exports decreased by 9%. In terms of proportions, exports of virgin CTC were also largest (98% of total exports when expressed in ODP tonnes).

Figure: Trend in exports of Annex I virgin substances out of the EU

Similar to imports, non-virgin substances were exported out of the EU to a much lesser extent than virgin substances. In 2024, non-virgin substances compose less than 1% of total exports when expressed in metric tonnes.

Production of Annex I substances covered by the Ozone Regulation

In 2024, the production of Annex I substances in the EU amounted to 122,098 metric tonnes, a 22% decrease compared with 2023. Thereof, 33,958 metric tonnes are relevant for consumption. As stated previously, amounts that are produced either for feedstock use within the EU or process agent use are excluded from the calculation of consumption under the Montreal Protocol. The quantities produced included mostly production of HCFCs (54%), CTC (32%) and TCA (13%). In terms of metric tonnes, production for feedstock use inside the EU decreased by 29%, whereas production for process agent use in the EU showed an increase in 2024 of 57%. Production for other uses (feedstock use outside the EU, unintentional by-production, lab use and other uses specified individually in the company report) in metric tonnes, as accounted for in the estimation of the consumption of Annex I substances (see Box 1 above and the section on consumption), increased by 4% in 2024. Annex I substances were mainly produced for feedstock use inside the EU (72% of the produced quantity in metric tonnes). Expressed in ODP tonnes, production of CTC and HCFCs was largest (86% and 8% of total production, respectively).

Figure: Trend in the production of Annex I substances within the EU

Destruction of Annex I substances covered by the Ozone Regulation

In 2024, 6,526 metric tonnes of Annex I substances were destroyed in total, a 62% increase compared with 2023. The largest quantities destroyed were of CTC, HCFCs and CFCs (79%, 13% and 5% of total destruction, respectively). Expressed in ODP, destruction amounted to 6,480 ODP tonnes: this represents an increase by 60% compared to the previous year. The largest quantities destroyed in ODP were of CTC, halons and CFCs (88%, 6% and 5% of total destruction, respectively). Please note for 2011, data is not shown as confidentiality rules apply.

Figure: Trend in destruction of Annex I substances within the EU

Feedstock use of Annex I substances covered by the Ozone Regulation

A number of ODS serve as feedstock for the manufacture of other products such as refrigerants, foam blowing agents, polymers, pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals. In 2024, feedstock use amounted to 89,812 metric tonnes, a 31% decrease compared with 2023 and the lowest quantity for feedstock use since 2010. Feedstock availability was 90,467 metric tonnes in 2024, down by 30% from 2023. Overall, feedstock availability, which is calculated as the sum of the production for feedstock use inside the EU and the imports for feedstock use inside the EU, was therefore at a comparable level to feedstock use, indicating that the EEA reporting systems covers all relevant undertakings from the supply as well from the production side.

Figure: Trend in the feedstock availability and use of Annex I substances

In 2024, the emission from feedstock uses was 0.03% of the reported make-up. The 2024 average emission rate was slightly lower than the emission rate in 2023 (0.04%) and also marginally lower than the average emission rate obtained from earlier years (2016 to 2023).

Process agent use of Annex I substances

A process agent is a substance that either facilitates or inhibits a chemical reaction in an industrial process. According to the EU ozone legislation, ‘process agents’ are ODS used in specific chemical processes, as listed in Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2024/590. These uses are allowed in installations that existed as of 1 September 1997, provided that their ODS emissions are minimal. In 2024, total and emissions for process agent use stayed well below the restrictions imposed by both the Montreal Protocol and the EU Ozone Regulation.

Annex II substances

The Ozone Regulation is more stringent than the Montreal Protocol and encompasses additional substances listed in Annex II (n-PB, EB, TFIM, MC, PCE, 2-BTP, DCM). Halon 1202, which was listed as part of the Annex II substances under the previous regulation, was moved to the Annex I substances with Regulation (EU) 2024/590, but is not a controlled substance under the Montreal Protocol. In 2024, the production of new substances amounted to 791,367 metric tonnes, a 29% increase compared with 2023. This is largely caused by the addition of DCM to the Annex II substances and an increase of MC production (by 6%). The production of Annex II substances was largely determined by MC (82%) and DCM (15%) production and was almost exclusively for feedstock use (86%). Expressed in ODP tonnes, the production of MC was also largest (89% of total production).

Figure: Trend in the production of Annex II within the EU

In 2024, the production of Annex II substances was more than six times higher than the production of Annex I substances expressed in metric tonnes. However, when expressed in ODP tonnes, Annes II substances production constitutes nearly a third (29%) of Annex I substances production in the same year.

This is because Annex II substances, on average, have significantly lower ODP than the ozone-depleting substances listed in Annex I.

Figure: Comparison of the production of Annex I and Annex II substances within the EU

Notes

Terminology

Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)

ODS are substances, mainly compounds containing chlorine and/or bromine, that reach the stratosphere of the Earth and whose breakdown products react with the stratospheric ozone. This reduces the concentration levels of ozone in that region of the atmosphere (commonly known as the ozone layer) and thus the capacity of the atmosphere to filter ultraviolet light. Most known ODS are regulated under the Montreal Protocol.

Annex I substances

Annex I substances are ODS that are listed in Annex I of the EU Ozone Regulation. They are subject to a number of restrictions and obligations related to their use, production, destruction, import and export at both the EU and international level. They are also subject to the reporting obligation under both Article 24 of the EU Ozone Regulation and Article 7 of the Montreal Protocol. The only exception is halon 1202, that is listed in Annex I to the EU Ozone Regulation, but not by the Montreal Protocol.

Mixtures

The term ‘mixtures’ refers to gas mixtures consisting of multiple substances, at least one of which is an ozone-depletingsubstance. Destruction facilities are required to report the quantities of individual substances destroyed each year. In certain cases, however, companies were only able to report on the destruction of mixtures of ODS with an unknown composition. Therefore, these mixtures are not included in the data presented in this online data viewer and are not reported under the Montreal Protocol.

Annex II substances

Annex II substances are seven ozone-depleting substances listed in Annex II to the EU Ozone Regulation, but are not included within the scope of the Montreal Protocol. They are: n-propyl bromide (n-PB), ethyl bromide (EB), trifluoroiodomethane (TFIM), methyl chloride (MC), 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-en (2-BTP), dichloromethane (DCM) and perchloroethylene (PCE). Companies in the EU are obliged to report on these substances, reflecting the Ozone Regulation’s higher level of ambition than that of the Montreal Protocol.

Virgin substances

These are substances that have not been previously used. Newly produced substances are, by definition, virgin.

Non-virgin substances

These are substances that have been used and subsequently recovered from products and equipment, and/or have been recycled or reclaimed.

Feedstock

A number of ODS serve as chemical building blocks for the manufacture of other chemicals (i.e. as ‘feedstock’). ‘Feedstock’ according to the EU Ozone Regulation means any ozone-depleting substance that undergoes chemical transformation in a process in which it is entirely converted from its original composition and whose emissions are insignificant. ODS are used as feedstock for the direct or indirect manufacture of a diverse range of products including refrigerants, foam blowing agents, solvents, polymers, pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.

Process agent

A process agent is a substance that either facilitates a chemical reaction or inhibits an intended chemical reaction in an industrial process.

Make-up

Make-up is the quantity of virgin, recovered or reclaimed ODS that has not been used in the process cycle before, and that is fed into the process cycle for the first time. For feedstock and process agent uses of ozone-depleting substances, make-up has to be reported, including the emissions generated during their use.

Ozone-depleting potential

The ozone-depleting potential (ODP) of a substance refers to the relative amount of ozone depletion caused by it. It is the ratio of the impact on ozone of the emission of a chemical substance to the impact of a similar emission by mass of CFC-11. The quantity in metric tonnes of a particular ozone-depleting substance is multiplied by its ODP to give its overall potential to deplete the ozone layer. For instance, 1 metric tonne of CFC-11 corresponds to 1 ODP tonnes (as its ODP is equal to 1), whilst for bromotrifluoromethane or halon 1301 (with an ODP = 10), 1 metric tonne corresponds to 10 ODP tonnes. Annexes I and II of the Ozone Regulation lists the ODP of the regulated substances. Some substances have a range, rather than a single ODP value. In this online data viewer, the highest value of the ODP value range is used.