Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Updates to HCFC Trade Language as Applied to Article 5 Countries; Ratification Status of Parties to the Montreal Protocol; and Harmonized Tariff Schedule Commodity Codes

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing this direct final rule to update: Regulations governing trade of HCFCs to reflect that HCFC control measures have now taken effect for Parties operating under Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol; references to Party ratification status; commodity codes for ozone depleting substances to address changes made in 2012 by the U.S. International Trade Commission; and other minor provisions. We are making these revisions to ensure that EPA regulations are consistent with the United States obligations under Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act, to ensure that companies importing ozone-depleting substances refer to accurate commodity codes, and to streamline and clarify regulatory content.