Reference
The resolution has been prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to ensure the implementation of Russia’s commitments under the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer of March 22, 1985 and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer of September 16, 1987.
The Montreal Protocol calls for the phasing out of the consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (hereinafter - HCFCs) beginning in 2004 until the complete end of consumption in 2030 under the following schedule: in 2010 – reduction of consumption by 75% from the baseline, in 2015 – a 90% reduction, and from 2020 – a complete freeze on consumption, except for 0.5% to maintain existing equipment during the period 2020-2030.
The list of HCFCs includes 40 substances which are used as propellants, refrigerants, blowing agents and solvents. Under the Montreal Protocol, Russia’s HCFC consumption level for the period between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2015 has been set at 999,23 tonnes of the ozone depletion potential for all HCFC substances.
Quantitative import and/or export restrictions are being introduced by the Eurasian Economic Commission at the request of one party in accordance with the Intergovernmental Agreement of the Eurasian Economic Community’s member states of June 9, 2009 On the Introduction and Application of Measures Affecting Foreign Trade in Goods on the Common Customs Territory in Relation to Third Parties. Article 8 of the Agreement makes provision for the introduction of unilateral measures affecting foreign trade in goods, providing they are aimed at protecting the environment.
Russia has previously introduced temporary quantitative restrictions on the import of HCFCs: in 2010, the temporary restrictions were introduced until December 31, 2010 (Government Resolution No. 918 of November 15, 2010 On the Introduction of Temporary Quantitative Restrictions on Imports of Ozone-depleting Substances into the Russian Federation and the Procedure for its Application and on Amendments to Certain Government Acts); in 2011, temporary restrictions were introduced until December 31, 2011 (Government Resolution No. 654 of July 12, 2011 On the Introduction of Temporary Quantitative Restrictions on Imports of Ozone-depleting Substances into the Russian Federation and the Procedure for its Application); and in 2012, restrictions were introduced until December 31, 2012 (Government Resolution No. 401 of April 26, 2012 On the Introduction of Temporary Quantitative Restrictions on Imports of Ozone-depleting Substances into the Russian Federation and the Procedure for its Application).
Since in 2010, 2011, and 2012 no complaints were received about the lack of HCFCs that are not produced in Russia and for which there was a zero import quota, the draft resolution proposes establishing quantitative restrictions on the import of HCFCs similar to those established in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and to use the entire permitted quota for the imports of the HCFC 141B, which is not produced in Russia.
The distribution of the ozone-depleting substances that can be imported into Russia in 2013 (based on the quantitative restrictions) should be proportional to the volume of ozone-depleting substances imported by foreign trade parties in 2008-2012, based on their import statements, to be submitted in accordance with established procedure by June 1, 2013.
The proposed scheme will help implement a set of measures that will ensure the ability to import before the end of 2013, in line with Russia’s international commitments, the ozone-depleting substances required by industry.