The supply and use of ozone-depleting substances such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and halons are under new, tougher controls throughout the EU as of October 1, 2000. There was an immediate ban on most CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, and 1,1,1, trichloroethane, which are mainly used in refrigeration, in dry cleaning, and as solvents. HCFCs were also banned immediately in certain applications and are prohibited from use in most new refrigeration and air conditioning equipment after January 1, 2001. Halons 1211 and 1301, used in fire fighting, will be phased out by December 31, 2003. The manufacture and sale of methyl bromide, used as a pesticide and in soil fumigation, will be banned from January 2005.
Based on a report from workplacelaw.net
