The Montreal Protocol, finalized in 1987, is a landmark international agreement aimed at protecting the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of substances that deplete it. These ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), methyl chloroform, methyl bromide (MeBr), bromochloromethane, and hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), are commonly found in refrigerators, air conditioners, and fire extinguishers. In November 2018, the parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed to promote the exchange of information on the best technologies for ODS destruction, a list that was later expanded in accordance with the protocol. The Chemical Data Exchange (CDX) system adopted this rule on January 4, 2024, to bolster the commitment to regulatory compliance among its users.
Key Highlights:
- The CDX system now regulates the production and consumption of around 100 man-made chemicals.
- Emission limits are defined as mass per dry cubic meter of exhaust gas under standard conditions (0°C and 1.013 bar), corrected to 11 percent carbon dioxide.
The additional criteria from the 2002 Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) report include specifications to evaluate destruction technologies (DRE) that countries might consider for domestic use. The DRE for diluted sources is set at 95%, and for concentrated sources at 99.99%. Emissions of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are capped at 0.5% for diluted sources and 0.2% for concentrated sources. The release of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and chlorine (Cl2) is restricted to 100% for both source types, while hydrobromic acid (HBr) and bromine (Br2) emissions are limited to 5%. Carbon oxide emissions are held at 100% for both diluted and concentrated sources.
This update in the CDX system to include ODS, as per Annexes A-F with a phase-out schedule, aligns with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and reflects the ongoing evolution of chemical substance protocols. This integration is designed to assist businesses in adhering to these crucial environmental standards, with the adjustments being phased in over the coming periods.
For the latest insights on the CDX system and its upcoming regulatory updates, keep an eye on ComplianceXL’s blogs. If you have questions or need help navigating the CDX system, the ComplianceXL team is always at your service, ready to offer expert guidance and support.
