Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations: general information

Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations

The Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (ODSHAR) implements Canada's obligations under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol), including the Kigali Amendment.

The ODSHAR came into force on December 29, 2016, replacing the Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations,1998. The role of the ODSHAR is to control ozone depleting substances (ODS) and introduce restrictions on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Although HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, they are often used as replacement for ODS and are powerful greenhouse gases (GHGs) with a global warming potential that can be hundreds to thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2).

The ODSHAR implement the phasedown of HFCs by progressively decreasing the supply of HFCs that are allowed to enter Canada and reducing the demand for HFCs in manufactured products. The phasedown of HFCs will prevent future releases to the environment and contribute towards Canada's efforts to combat climate change.

Canada is making excellent progress. Between 2019 and 2022, Canada has achieved an average 25% reduction of its annual HFC consumption from baseline levels, significantly surpassing our current Montreal Protocol target of a 10% reduction. Starting on January 1, 2024, the target will be a 40% reduction in annual HFC consumption.

The ODSHAR are made pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) and are administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Controls in place

The ODSHAR controls the import, export, manufacture, and certain uses of:

• hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
• hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
• chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• bromofluorocarbons (halons)
• hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs)
• bromochlorodifluoromethane
• tetrachloromethane
• 1,1,1-trichloromethane
• bromochloromethane
• methyl bromide

The ODSHAR also limits the import and manufacture of certain products containing or designed to contain these substances, such as:

• aerosol products
• refrigeration and air conditioning systems
• foams and foam products
• automobiles

In many instances, it is necessary to obtain specific authorizations issued under these Regulations in order to import, export or manufacture these substances or products.

The lists of annual consumption allowance holders and essential purpose permits issued under the ODSHAR are available on the CEPA Registry website.

Contact information

You may contact the Ozone Layer Protection Programs Unit for additional information regarding the ODSHAR and the implementation of the Montreal Protocol in Canada:

Email : halocarbures-halocarbons@ec.gc.ca

Telephone: 819-938-4228 (voice mailbox)