RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has achieved a 69 percent phaseout of ozone-depleting substances over the past five years, as of the first half of 2026, underscoring its commitment to the Montreal Protocol and the gradual elimination of hydrochlorofluorocarbons, according to the National Center for Environmental Compliance.
More than 8,500 tonnes of ozone-depleting substances and materials regulated under the Montreal Protocol have been cleared since the beginning of the year under a national phase-down program, ensuring that imports and trade strictly comply with environmental requirements and international obligations.
NCEC spokesperson Saad Al-Matrafi attributed the progress to strengthened regulatory oversight through the Environmental Clearance System, which governs the importation, exportation, and trade of controlled substances.
Since 2023, the center has issued more than 3,200 clearance permits for materials covered by the Montreal Protocol, reinforcing environmental compliance and ensuring adherence to national quotas.
Al-Matrafi told Arab News that the system had advanced several strategic objectives, including technical integration and digital platform upgrades across the center. These enhancements had improved operational efficiency and reduced permit processing times, allowing investors to clear imported shipments more rapidly.
