Applications for the Global Montreal Protocol Award are now being accepted.

Eligible nominees include Customs and enforcement officers or their respective organizations.

Nominees must have successfully prevented illegal or unwanted trade in hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as well as equipment or products containing or relying on the use of these chemicals.

Both groups of chemicals are widely used as refrigerants and foam blowing agents:

• HCFCs contribute to ozone layer depletion and global warming. They will gradually be phased out by 2030, and are already banned in the European Union (EU). Traders in HCFCs are subject to annual import/export quotas and require import/export licences for HCFC shipments;
• HFCs contribute to global warming. They will be controlled and gradually phased down by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol once the Kigali Amendment enters into force for them. National legislation might already require import/export licences for HFC shipments, which are already restricted in the EU.

Deadline for applications: 31 December 2018.

Visit the UN Environment OzonAction website for more details on the award and the application process.

More information
http://web.unep.org/ozonaction/news/launch-global-montreal-protocol-award-customs-and-enforcement-officers