China updates list of controlled ozone depleting substances

To implement the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and its amendments, on October 8th, several departments of China’s central government, including the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, jointly released an updated list of ozone depleting substances controlled in China. It became effective immediately, replacing the Announcement No. 72 of 2010 that provided the previous version of the list.

Here are the main points of the revision.

1. 18 HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) have been added to the list. Their main uses are described and their reduction requirements set out in it.
2. The definition of “controlled substance” from the Montreal Protocol is presented (in Chinese) in a footnote. Below is the English definition in the protocol:
   “Controlled substance” means a substance in Annex A, Annex B, Annex C, Annex E or Annex F to this Protocol, whether existing alone or in a mixture. It includes the isomers of any such substance, except as specified in the relevant Annex, but excludes any controlled substance or mixture which is in a manufactured product other than a container used for the transportation or storage of that substance.
3. In accordance with the annexes to the protocol, the global warming potential (GWP) has been added to some substances, and the Chinese names of two substances have been changed as follows: the chemical name of CFC-113 (C2F3Cl3) has been changed from 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane to trichlorotrifluoroethane (from 1,1,2-三氯-1,2,2-三氟乙烷 to 三氯三氟乙烷), CFC-114 (C2F4Cl2) from 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane to dichlorotetrafluoroethane (from 1,2-二氯-1,1,2,2-四氟乙烷 to二氯四氟乙烷). Through this change, isomers, including CFC-113a and CFC-114a, are now covered by the list, matching the list content to the Montreal Protocol.

Main regulations implemented in the future

According to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, China must freeze the amount of HFC production and usage at a reference level, which is equal to the average amount of HFC production and usage between 2020 and 2022 plus 65 percent of the reference level for hydrochlorofluorocarbons (in CO2 equivalent). The country may not exceed 90 percent of the HFC reference level from 2029, 70 percent from 2035, 50 percent from 2040 and 20 percent from 2045.

To fulfill this requirement, China will take the following five measures to control HFCs.

1. Revise the China’s Plan to Implement the Montreal Protocol, consider the overall strategy to reduce HFCs, decide what areas to focus on and prepare a roadmap, policy management measures and other necessary things
2. Implement an HFC import and export licensing system by December 15, 2021 in accordance with the protocol
3. Formulate a policy to manage construction projects for HFC production that sets out ecological and environmental requirements and industry policies
4. Manage allowances and notifications of the production, sale and use of HFCs to achieve the targets for each year from 2024 onward, as necessary
5. Implement the Announcement of Regulations on Trifluoromethane Emissions as a Byproduct issued on September 10

The full updated list of China’s controlled ozone depleting substances (in simplified Chinese) is available at
https://www.mee.gov.cn/xxgk2018/xxgk/xxgk01/202110/t20211011_956086.html