LookAtVietnam – The Montreal Protocol is one of the most successful international conventions, with the agreement of 100% of UN member countries. Vietnam is an active member of this protocol.

Vietnam signed the Montreal Protocol in 1994 and is among the most active member countries. VietNamNet reviews Vietnam’s activities to implement the protocol in the past 15 years.

Ozone depleting substances (ODS) are those substances which deplete the ozone layer and are widely used in refrigerators, air-conditioners, fire extinguishers, in dry cleaning, as solvents for cleaning, electronic equipment and as agricultural fumigants. ODS include Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Halon, Carbon tetrachloride, Methyl chloroform, Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Methyl bromide and Bromochloromethane (BCM).

In Vietnam, these substances are used in many industries like the dying, cooking maintenance, pharmaceutical, plastic production industries.

So far, Vietnam has cut down the use of CFCs under the committed roadmap. In 2009, the country will import only ten tonnes of R-12 and as of January 1, 2010, it will ban the import of CFCs.

In the past, up to 50 percent of the total 500 tonnes of imported CFCs in Vietnam were used to produce spray cosmetics. At present, CFCs are being replaced by other substances.

Vietnamese authorities have tightened control of the import of chemicals that harm the ozone layer and the use of these substances at enterprises. Vietnam has also used financial assistance from the multilateral fund for ozone to change technology and equipment to produce replacements for ODS.

Vietnam is among 60 countries receiving international certificates for well implementing the Montreal Protocol.

However, Vietnam still imports around 3000 tonnes of HCFC substances. Experts say that the country needs to quickly change technology, otherwise it will have to pay a lot for rejecting HCFC. However, the prices for replacement substances for HCFC and for new technology and equipment exceed the financial capability of most Vietnamese enterprises.

Experts also worry that replacement substances for ODS can increase the greenhouse effect, leading to climate change.

Tuan Ha