About Us

The Montreal Protocol on the Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987 at Montreal. Pakistan signed and ratified the Montreal Protocol in 1992. Being a signatory to the Protocol, Pakistan is committed to phase-out the use of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). National Ozone Unit (Ozone Cell) was established in the Ministry of Environment, Government of Pakistan in 1996 to monitor and ensure implementation of the Montreal Protocol through various policies and regulatory measures with the assistance of Ministry of Commerce, Central Board of Revenue and other stakeholders. Pakistan is not an ODS producing or exporting country but imports these ODSs for its domestic needs. Pakistan has already banned the import of first generation of ODS (i.e. CFCs, Halons, CTC, Methyl Bromide, Methyl Chloroform etc.) by 1st January, 2010 under the provision of the Montreal Protocol. It is a matter of great satisfaction that Pakistan is in full compliance with regard to import/consumption of all ODS

The Ozone Cell extends assistance to the local ODS-based industry for its conversion into Ozone friendly technology through the implementing agencies (UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO & World Bank) with the financial assistance of the Multilateral Fund (MLF) for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is also responsible for the institutional strengthening of the Montreal Protocol Project (Ozone Cell), while the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) extends assistance in capacity building and awareness activities.

The NOU (Ozone Cell) has an effective interaction with other governmental bodies such as Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Ministry of Industries & Production, Engineering Development Board, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Division, Federal Board of Revenue and Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI- representing private industry and trade sector). All policy and regulatory measures are implemented with coordination of these relevant stakeholders.