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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

  • What is the “Phaseout”?
  • Class I ODS
  • Class II ODS

Producing, Importing, and Exporting

  • Importing
  • Labeling
  • Recordkeeping and Reporting
  • HCFC Allowance System
  • Destruction Technologies

Consumers, Equipment Owners and Operators

  • Basic Information
  • Stationary Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
  • Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning

Exemptions to the Phaseout

  • Methyl Bromide
  • Essential Uses (Metered-Dose Inhalers)
  • Laboratory and Analytical Uses
  • Halons Program
  • Emissions Standards

Information About the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020

  • New web area: Protecting Our Climate by Reducing Use of HFCs.

2020 Ozone Layer Protection Milestones

Explore how successful ozone layer protection is a part of our everyday life

Strat City

What's New

  • Withdrawal of Proposed Rule – Standards Related to the Manufacture of Class II Ozone-Depleting Substances for Feedstock

  • EPA Finalizes Indefinite Extension of the Laboratory & Analytical Use Exemption

  • EPA Proposes Indefinite Extension of the Laboratory & Analytical Use Exemption

  • Final 2020 HCFC Allocation Rule

  • Fact Sheet for the 2020 Final Rule

Related Topics

  • Ozone Layer Protection
  • Addressing Ozone Layer Depletion
  • Ozone-Depleting Substances
  • Alternatives to Ozone-Depleting Substances
  • Enforcement
  • Report an Environmental Violation
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on June 16, 2022
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