Fact-sheet: Ozone layer depleting substances

There is a general ban on the use, sale, import or export of ozone layer depleting substances and products containing ozone layer depleting substances.

The use of ozone layer depleting substances is regulated in:

• Statutory Order no. 1386 af 25. november 2015 on certain ozone layer depleting substances  (in danish)
• Regulation 1005/2009 on ozone depleting substances
• The provisions of the Montreal Protocol

CFCs and HCFCs have been used particularly in spray cans, in the production of plastic foam, as refrigerants, for chemical cleaning, degreasing and for laboratory analyses. Halons have been used in fire extinguisher systems, and methyl bromide has been used as a disinfectant and pesticide.

The ozone layer protects humans and the environment

The ozone layer protects the earth against the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Without the ozone layer, the incidence of various forms of skin cancer and eye disease would increase. Animal and plant life would also be impacted. It would reduce crop yields and fishing hauls.

Exemptions from the ban

Equipment such as refrigerators and freezers containing ozone layer depleting substances, as a refrigerant or in foam, may continue to be used if they were acquired legally. They may also be refilled with regenerated HCFCs. Fire extinguishing systems in aeroplanes are still permitted to contain Halon.

Other exemptions

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency may grant exemptions from the Danish regulations in special cases, for example, where no alternatives with less environmental impact exist.

The European Commission may grant exemptions from the EU regulations after a hearing before a special committee.

Producers, importers, distributors and users are responsible

Anyone who produces, uses, imports or sells ozone layer depleting substances or systems containing ozone layer depleting substances is responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulations.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s chemical inspectors and the Danish Maritime Authority monitor compliance with the regulations and will ensure that illegal situations are brought into compliance. This may involve withdrawing the product from the Danish market, or making the product legal in some other way. Anyone who breaches the regulations may additionally face a fine or prison sentence of up to two years.

Other legislation

Ozone layer depleting substances are also covered by the Danish Act on taxes on certain ozone layer depleting substances and industrial greenhouse gases, administered by SKAT.

The Danish Working Environment Authority also has regulations for the working environment which must be complied with.