29.9.2000 Official Journal of the European Communities L 244[1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) REGULATION (EC) No 2037/2000 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 29 June 2000 on substances that deplete the ozone layer THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 175(1) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), After consulting the Committee of the Regions, Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (%), in the light of the joint text approved on 5 May 2000 by the Conciliation Committee, Whereas: (1) It is established that continued emissions of ozone- depleting substances at current levels continue to cause significant damage to the ozone layer. Ozone depletion in the southern hemisphere reached unprecedented levels in 1998. In three out of four recent springs severe ozone depletion has occurred in the Arctic region. Increased UV-B radiation resulting from ozone depletion poses a significant threat to health and environment. Further efficient measures need therefore to be taken in order to protect human health and the environment against adverse effects resulting from such emissions. 2)  In view of its responsibilities for the environment and trade, the Community, pursuant to Decision 88/ 540/EEC (*), has become a Party to the Vienna Conven- tion for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, as amended by the Parties to the Protocol at their second meeting in London and at their fourth meeting in Copenhagen. () O] C 286, 15.9.1998, p. 6 and 0] C 83, 25.3.1999, p. 4. () O] C 40, 15.2.1999, p. 34. (*) Opinion of the European Parliament of 17 December 1998 (O] C 98, 9.4.1999, p. 266), confirmed on 16 September 1999, Council Common Position of 23 February 1999 (O] C 123, 4.5.1999, p. 28) and Decision of the European Parliament of 15 December 1999 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Decision of the European Parliament of 13 June 2000 and Decision of the Council of 16 June 2000. (% O] L 297, 31.10.1988, p. 8. (3)  Additional measures for the protection of the ozone layer were adopted by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol at their seventh meeting in Vienna in December 1995 and at their ninth meeting in Montreal in September 1997, in which the Community participated. (4) It is necessary for action to be taken at Community level to carry out the Community's obligations under the Vienna Convention and the latest amendments and adjustments to the Montreal Protocol, in particular to phase out the production and the placing on the market of methyl bromide within the Community and to provide for a system for the licensing not only of imports but also of exports of ozone-depleting substances. (5)  In view of the earlier than anticipated availability of technologies for replacing ozone-depleting substances, it is appropriate in certain cases to provide for control measures which are stricter than those provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 3093/94 of 15 December 1994 on substances that deplete the ozone layer (°) and stricter than those of the Montreal Protocol. (6)  Regulation (EC) No 3093/94 must be modified substan- tially. It is in the interest of legal clarity and transparency to revise that Regulation completely. (7 Under Regulation (EC) No 3093/94 the production of chlorofluorocarbons, other fully halogenated chloro- fluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride, 1,1,1- trichloroethane and hydrobromofluorocarbons has been phased out. The production of those controlled substances is thus prohibited, subject to possible deroga- tion for essential uses and to meet the basic domestic needs of Parties pursuant to Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol. It is now also appropriate progressively to prohibit the placing on the market and use of those substances and of products and equipment containing those substances. (8)  Even after the phase-out of controlled substances the Commission may under certain conditions grant exemp- tions for essential uses. () O] L 333, 22.12.1994, p. 1.