Prohibited and Restricted Import and Trade of ODS
Prohibited and Restricted Import of ODS and ODS Products
The import of Class I ODS is prohibited. The import of Class II ODS is restricted until the 2030 phase-out date when the production and import of all HCFCs will be prohibited.
There are some exceptions to prohibiting imports of Class I ODS that nonetheless are still controlled transactions that must be reported to, and in some circumstances approved by, US EPA. Specifically, the import of ODS into the United States is permitted for the following:
- Imports of used ODS. An importer must petition US EPA and receive a non-objection letter from US EPA to allow an import of used ODS. Both documents should accompany the shipment through US Customs within the same control period as the date stamped on the non-objection notice.
- Imports for exempted uses as authorized by the Protocol and the regulations.
- Imports for in-house or second-party transformation or destruction.
- Imports of a transshipment or a heel.
Additionally, all aerosol products, pressurized dispensers and foam products containing, or manufactured with, CFCs and HCFCs, and which are considered non-essential products, are banned from sale and distribution in interstate commerce in the United States.
