k6_annex1

Annex 1 to Group Directive K 6:
Background of this Directive
The halogenated hydrocarbons addressed in this Directive (see Annex 2) are a class of stable, relatively nontoxic, volatile chemical compounds. They are used in a variety of systems and applications, including: refrigeration, fire-fighting (halons), aerosols, as blowing agents for foams, as solvents and cleaning agents.
These halogenated hydrocarbons are long living in the atmosphere and, when reaching the stratosphere, some of them are causing ozone depletion. In addition, all of them are greenhouse gases that contribute to the global warming effect. Ozone depletion has been confirmed through the Antarctic "ozone hole" discovered in 1985 and observations, since then, of ozone depletion in the middle and higher latitudes.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) led a number of countries to sign the "Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer" in 1985. Through this Convention, governments committed themselves to protect the ozone layer and to co-operate with each other in scientific research to improve understanding of the atmospheric processes.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was adopted by governments in 1987 and has been modified five times so far. Its control provisions were strengthened through adjustments to the Protocol adopted in London (1990), Copenhagen (1992), Vienna (1995), Montreal (1997) and Beijing (1999). The Protocol aims to reduce and in the long-term to eliminate the emissions of man-made ozone depleting substances. According to the Protocol and its amendments CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride and 1.1.1-trichloroethane have been phased out while HCFCs are phased down gradually over time.
In order to fulfill the European Union’s obligations resulting from the Montreal Protocol, in 1991 the EU published first regulation on “Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer”. This regulation has been amended and adapted several times. With the publication of EU-Regulation 2037/2000 on 29 June 2000 the following decisions and schedules for a gradual phasing-out are now in force:
● The production and sale of CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride, 1.1.1-trichloroethane,
methyl bromide and HBFCs is prohibited.
● The sale of HCFCs is prohibited except for use as feedstock, processing agents or so-
called essential uses. The production of HCFCs is, therefore, less restricted , with a total ban coming in December 2040. Concerning applications covered by this Directive these exemptions, however, are not relevant.
Fluorinated hydrocarbons (PFCs and HFCs) are used today on a broad scale as substitute substances for refrigeration purposes. They are not covered by the Montreal Protocol or by the pertinent EU regulations since they have no ozone depleting potential. Yet, they all are persistent in the atmosphere, contribute to the global warming effect to a large extent and may conceal unidentified risks for people and the environment. As a result of their global warming potential, they are explicitly listed amongst the greenhouse gases in the Kyoto Protocol.
Although not specifically mentioning these compounds, the Aarhus Protocol, an amendment to the Geneva Convention on Long-Range Trans-boundary Air Pollution, issued in 1998, is seeking to control, reduce or eliminate discharge, emission and losses of persistent organic pollutants.
R134a having the biggest share amongst HFCs nowadays is facing restrictions of use in the European Union. As of 2011, new car models with air-conditioning systems containing
R134a are no longer approved by EU authorities. In addition, cars having such equipment cannot be sold in the EU after 2016.
History: Group Directive K6 versions
1st edition: September 22, 1994
– Ozone depleting substances
2nd edition: December 20, 2002
– Substances affecting the ozone layer and the climate
– 100% phase-out target by pre-defined timelines
•(CFCs/HCFCs: 01/2010)
•(HFCs/PFCs: end of 2015)
3rd edition: April 21, 2011
– Substances affecting the ozone layer and the climate
– 100% phase-out target; 90% phase-out as interim goal by pre-defined timelines
•(CFCs/HCFCs: expeditiously, no later than end of 2015)
•(HFCs/PFCs: end of 2015)
4th edition: December 01, 2013
– Substances affecting the ozone layer and the climate
– 100% phase-out target; 90% phase-out as interim goal by pre-defined timelines
•(CFCs/HCFCs: expeditiously, no later than end of 2015)
•(HFCs/PFCs: end of 2015)。