In a bid to derive benefits of trade and technology transfer, the government on Tuesday decided to ratify two amendments to the Montreal Protocol on protecting the ozone layer from depletion.

The ratification of Copenhagen and Montreal amendments would formally reiterate India's commitment to the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances and protecting the ozone layer, an official spokesman told reporters after a meeting of the Union Cabinet in New Delhi.

It would also give India trade-related and other benefits under the Montreal Protocol and facilitate technology transfer and funding of projects using Hydrochloroflurocarbons and Methyl Bromide, he said.

The Copenhagen amendment provides for measures for controlling HCFCs, Hydrobromoflurocarbons and Methyl Bromide, he said.

The Montreal Amendment establishes a licensing system for export and import of new, used, recycled and reclaimed ODS and also introduces ban on import and export of methyl bromide to non-parties.

On ratification of Copenhagen Amendment, India is obliged to comply with the control measures for HCFCs, HBFCs and methyl bromide as provided in the protocol. It also has to report data annually on production, import and export of HCFCs and HBFCs from 1989 and methyl bromide from 1991.

Since India does not use HBFCs, the control measures have no implication. The reduction schedule specified in HCFCs and methyl bromide and trade control have already been included in ODS (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.