TNAG-2810-FCO40-4055-Future-of-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IR-1993 — Page 48

For information on

6 July 1993

031/5

RECEIV

RESTRICTED

NOTE FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

TOISTRY

23 1993

IN.

REGISTRY

26

XCRI(93)24 Copy No. 29

Taken

AMENDMENTS TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL ON SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER

INTRODUCTION

On 5 January 1993 Members considered memorandum XCR(93)2 and were informed that efforts would continue to secure early Chinese agreement to the extension to Hong Kong of amendments to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (the Protocol). This note explains the present position.

BACKGROUND

2

The Protocol seeks to control the consumption, production, import and supply of bulk chemicals which deplete the ozone layer. The United Kingdom ratified the Protocol on 16 December 1988 and Hong Kong was included in the ratification. The Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance was enacted in June 1989 to effect the necessary controls in order to enable Hong Kong to fulfil its obligations under the Protocol. Failure to do so could result in Hong Kong being barred from trading in these substances with the Parties to the Protocol which include major manufacturers in the UK and USA.

3

In June 1990, the second meeting of the Parties to the Protocol held in London adopted a set of amendments to the Protocol (the Amendment). The Amendment increases the scope of controlled substances and extends restrictions on their import and export to or from non-Parties to the Protocol. The UK ratified the Amendment on 20 December 1991 but Hong Kong was not included in this ratification because of the need to amend the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance and make regulations in order to comply with the Amendment.

ра

Executive Council