Legislation phasing out ozone depleting substances (ODS) is
expected to be passed within the next two years, disclosed the Sate
Environmental Protection Administration on Saturday in
Shenzhen.
The State Administration of Environmental Protection (SEPA) disclosed the
latest progress of the legislation, still in its draft stage, at
two major forums during a conference marking the 10th anniversary
of International Ozone Layer Protection Day in Shenzhen on
Saturday.
So far there are around 100 documents issued by different
government departments in China dealing with phasing out ODS, but
there is no national law, which includes all the relevant terms and
specifies punishment. The lack of a legal support has resulted in
risk-taking producers and traders taking advantage of the many
loopholes that exist.
"The legislation is based on one principle: to adjust the macro
industry policy to ensure the cost of illegal use of ODS is much
higher than for those who abide by the law," said Professor Wang
Canfa from China University of Political Science and Law, who is
part of the drafting team.
"We should be more far-sighted. In addition to eliminating ODS,
we also have to include laws on the technology, investment, trading
and market access of any future ODS substitutes," Li Xinmin, vice
director of SEPA's pollution control department, said.
The illegal international trade of products containing ODS,
particularly among developing nations, is a difficult problem to
deal with. Atul Bagai, the South Asia coordinator of the United
Nations Environment Program (UNEP) suggested an ODS license system
be adopted. "The regional information sharing is important. ODS
export and import countries can sign an agreement to ensure only
those meeting certain requirements get the license to trade in
ODS," Bagai said.
Volkmar Hasse, another expert from the German Technology Center
also suggested that certified training be included in China's
legislation to guarantee that people in charge of eliminating ODS
are technically qualified to do so.
(Shenzhen Daily September 19, 2005)