As set out in the Montreal Protocol, traded ozone depleting substances (ODS), such as halons and HCFCs, should be monitored and controlled at a national and internation level.  This page sets out the requirements for importing and exporting ODS globally.

Informal prior informed consent (iPIC)

The informal prior informed consent (iPIC) procedure was established under the Montreal Protocol to prevent illegal trade in ODS and to facilitate enforcement of the Montreal Protocol. This means that countries participating in the iPIC network agree voluntarily to exchange information before issuing import or export licences. For example, if a company wishes to export ODS to Singapore, the authority responsible for granting licenses will contact Singapore under this scheme to ask if they are willing to accept this import before granting the import license and vice-versa.

Trading in or out of the EU

Companies that trade in Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and wish to import or export ODS outside of EU customs territory must be registered with the European Commission. This allows companies to apply for the electronic license that must accompany each import/export.

Imports and exports within the EU customs territory do not require a license from the Commission. However imports and exports of ODS from and to countries not part of the European Union must  have a license from the Commission.

If a company needs to import from outside the EU, it must liaise with the exporting company to ensure that the import license to the EU is in place before the export occurs or the correct procedures have been put in place for the export to proceed.

For further details and manuals regarding the licensing for importing and exporting ODS:

• European Commission Ozone Section

Illegal Trade of ozone depleting substances (ODS)

An illegal trade is where a company has imported or exported an ODS to outside the EU without a license or have been trading in ODS and have not been registered with the European Commission ODS Database.

It is also considered illegal to trade with an State or territory that has not signed up to the Montreal Protocol.

Monitoring Illegal Trade

Even though the import and export of ODS are closely monitored through licensing, there are cases when trade of ODS manages to slip through the systems set in place by both the European Commission and the UK Custom authorities.

In such situations Defra will investigate all cases of potential illegal trade. Powers have been granted to act under UK Regulation SI 2011/1543 (the Ozone Regulation) and Defra will exercise those powers as appropriate.