The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia increased the disposal rate of ozone-depleting substances to 69% during the first half of 2026, according to data from the National Center for Environmental Compliance.
SPA reported that more than 8,000 metric tons of ozone-depleting substances and HFCs have been cleared since the beginning of the year as part of a project to gradually phase out these substances and implement the Montreal Protocol.
Saad Al-Matrafi, spokesperson for the National Center for Environmental Compliance, stated that the center has issued more than 3,200 clearance permits for substances under the Montreal Protocol since 2023. He noted that electronic integration between the center and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has expedited shipment clearance procedures.
The Kingdom ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in September 2025 to reduce gases with a high climate impact. Al-Matrafi added that Gulf cooperation in protecting the ozone layer strengthens regional efforts.