China phases out 280,000 metric tons of ozone-depleting substances

China has phased out 280,000 metric tons of ozone-depleting substances — half the total reduction by developing countries — and will launch inspections to stop the illegal production and use of one substance, CFC-11, a senior environmental protection official said.

Zhao Yingmin, vice-minister of ecology and environment, made the remarks in a meeting held Monday to commemorate the 24th International Ozone Layer Protection Day, which fell on Sunday.

China has attached great importance to fulfilling its obligation in ODS control since joining the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1991. Proactive measures have yielded remarkable achievements, Zhao said.

The country has implemented phase-out plans in 31 industries, including household and industrial refrigerating appliances, and has carried out work at almost 1,000 companies, he said.

He reiterated the country’s zero-tolerance policy toward the illegal production and use of ODS, and said violations will be severely punished.

Zhao added that his ministry had launched an ODS campaign in July. Following the ongoing inspections by local authorities, the ministry will mobilize officers from across the country to carry out law enforcement activities in their areas to supervise efforts, he said.