QPS uses of Methyl Bromide and their alternatives - OzonAction Factsheet

At the 1992 Meeting of the Parties in Copenhagen, methyl bromide (MB) was included as a controlled substance Ozone Depleting Substance, (ODS). Article 2H of the Protocol specifically excluded Quarantine and Pre-shipment (QPS) uses from control measures as it was considered that there were no alternatives to MB for the diverse range of treatments carried out for QPS. Although QPS was about 10% of global MB consumption at the time, this use was nevertheless considered especially significant in allowing inter- and intra-country trade in commodities treated with MB in the absence of site-specific alternatives. Since that time Parties have nevertheless been urged to adopt alternatives to MB for QPS and reduce emissions and use of this fumigant whenever possible.