India joined the global community in celebrating World Ozone Day 2025 on September 16, under the theme “From Science to Global Action.” The national celebration was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the National Ozone Unit.
World Ozone Day commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Ozone-Depleting Substances in 1987, a multilateral environmental agreement that has been hailed as a success in global cooperation. The protocol mandates the phase-out of substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Halons, which are commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, foam production, fire extinguishers, and aerosols. Due to the successful implementation of the protocol, the ozone layer is now on a path to recovery and is projected to return to pre-1980 levels by 2050.
Focus on HFCs and Cooling Sector Transition
In line with its commitments, India is actively phasing down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are not ozone-depleting but possess high Global Warming Potential (GWP). The phase-down is being carried out under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which India ratified in 2021.
During a webinar conducted by the National Ozone Unit on September 16, 2025, officials and experts emphasized the critical role of the cooling sector in achieving climate goals. The discussions highlighted that the phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) and the phase-down of high-GWP HFCs drive innovation towards energy-efficient and climate-friendly alternatives, thereby addressing both ozone depletion and global warming.
Regulatory Action on Hydrocarbon Aerosol Propellants
Further regulatory steps have been taken by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) concerning the use of Hydrocarbon Aerosol Propellants in certain product categories.
A recent circular, following up on earlier directives (D.O.No. 12/5/2025-OC dated July 25, 2025, and PJ-13011/5/2023-PR-HO-CPCB-HO dated August 22, 2023), clarified the continued mandatory use of Non-Ozone Depleting Substances (Non-ODSs) and Non-High Global Warming Potential (Non-GWP) substances. This directive applies to products such as inhalers, dry powder inhalers, metered dose inhalers, pharmaceutical formulations, and related medical devices. It underscores the ongoing commitment to environmental compliance within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
The government maintains that the effective implementation of the Kigali Amendment and related domestic policies will ensure a smooth, inclusive, and sustainable transition toward climate-friendly cooling technologies.