Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change directed all state and Central authorities to stop granting environmental clearances for HFCs production for new or additional HFC production beyond December 31, 2027.

• This direction is in line with India’s commitments under the Kigali Amendment.

 Kigali Amendment (2016)                                                                                                     

• Under it, Parties to the Montreal Protocol, agreed to phase down production and consumption of HFCs.
  • HFCs were introduced as non-ozone-depleting substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (ODS); however, despite being ozone-friendly, they have high Global Warming Potential (GWP: 12–14,000).
• Key Targets: 
  • Parties agreed to reduce HFCs by 80–85% by the late 2040s.
  • India will complete its phase-down of HFCs in 4 steps from 2032 onwards with cumulative reduction of 10% in 2032, 20% in 2037, 30% in 2042 and 85% in 2047.

Montreal Protocol (1987) 

• An international treaty to phase out ODS for the protection of the ozone layer. 
  • Implemented under Vienna Convention (adopted in 1985).
• Substances Covered: Targets ODS such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and Halons.
• By 1992, it had been universally ratified and put into practice the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.