OzonAction is very pleased to announce two exciting side events which will be held as part of the 32nd Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol. Due to the constraints on holding large meetings and travel restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, these side events will be held online. Despite these limitations we have a number of excellent speakers who will ensure the highest quality of these events. The side events cover two very relevant and timely issues.
1. Installing, operating and servicing A/C systems in the times of COVID-19
Monday 23 November, 11:30 - 13:00 Nairobi time (EAT)
Click here for the Link to the event
With the COVID 19 pandemic the Air-conditioning comes to the forefront as a key player that can contribute significantly to minimising the likelihood of spreading such airborne viruses. Additional considerations concerning field practices of air-conditioning systems should be considered from a safety context either for new systems or existing systems.
This side event will provide examples of the best guidelines and references offered by key international industry associations that should be considered when installing, servicing and operating air-conditioning systems in the context of the COVID-19.
2. Harmonised system codes for hydrofluorocarbons: What are the challenges and what can be done now?
Tuesday 24 November, 12:00 – 13:00 Nairobi time (EAT)
Click here for the Link to the event
One of the important requirements of the Kigali Amendment is that an import and export licencing system for HFCs needs to be in place in each country that is Party to the Amendment (by 2021-extended deadline). To enable a licencing system to function effectively it is important that the government is able to monitor and record imports and exports of each specific HFC individually. Import and export statistics are normally collected by customs officers using the international product nomenclature system - Harmonized System (HS). However, until the HS is revised in 2022, all HFCs are contained in a single HS code which does not allow differentiation of the individual chemicals or of mixtures.
This side event will provide an overview of the issue and explain a proactive interim approach, recommended by the World Customs Organization (WCO), to establish additional digits in the existing national HS codes to identify specific HFCs. It will also provide a examples of interim approaches to address this serious challenge.
