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Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds

The 1991 Geneva Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds or their Transboundary Fluxes
The Executive Body adopted the Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds or their Transboundary Fluxes in Geneva (Switzerland) on 18 November 1991. It targets the reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), a major air pollutant responsible for the formation of ground-level ozone.
The Protocol specifies three options for emission reduction targets that have to be chosen upon signature or upon ratification:
(i) 30% reduction in emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 1999 using a year between 1984 and 1990 as a basis. 
(ii) The same reduction as for (i) within a Tropospheric Ozone Management Area (TOMA) specified in annex I to the Protocol and ensuring that by 1999 total national emissions do not exceed 1988 levels.
(iii) Finally, where emissions in 1988 did not exceed certain specified levels, Parties may opt for a stabilization at that level of emission by 1999. 
The Executive Body amended the Protocol in 1996. The amendment concerns annex III related to control technologies for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from off-road vehicles and machines, ships and aircraft. 
Emissions of VOCs are also addressed under the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone.
 
Title ENG FRE RUS Ratification Entry into force
The 1991 Geneva Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds or their Transboundary Fluxes PDF PDF PDF Status 29/09/1997