Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)
In the United States, ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are regulated as class I or class II controlled substances. Class I substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, have a higher ozone depletion potential and have been phased out in the U.S.; with a few exceptions, this means no one can produce or import class I substances. Class II substances are all hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are transitional substitutes for many class I substances. New production and import of most HCFCs were phased out as of 2020. The most common HCFC in use today is HCFC-22 or R-22, a refrigerant still used in existing air conditioners and refrigeration equipment.
Learn about the Phaseout
Producing, Importing, and Exporting
Consumers, Equipment Owners and Operators
Exemptions to the Phaseout
Information About the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020
2020 Ozone Layer Protection Milestones
Explore how successful ozone layer protection is a part of our everyday life
