16 Mar 2021

Department of Meteorological Services invites users and traders of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) to apply for import/export/transit permits for 2021 as per the Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations of the National Meteorological Service Act, 2014.

A statement from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism states that ODSs are gases used primarily as coolants in refrigeration and air-conditioning.

The gases include; Hydrochloroflourocarbons or HCFCs such as R22 gas. 

It further positions that some of these substances are also used as propellants, fumigants and fire extinguishers.

“These gases once released destroy the ozone layer that protects the earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation hazardous to life and property, hence the need for their control,” says the statement.

The statement further specifies that under the ODS regulations of 2014, Botswana as a party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the ozone layer, has an obligation to control, monitor, report on consumption, promote friendlier alternatives as well as raise awareness to ensure compliance to the Protocol.

Moreover, the statement says applicants are required to satisfy the following steps; submit a completed application form to the Ozone Office at the Department of Meteorological Services, submit the previous year’s import data (January to December). Declaration Forms are also acceptable, submit general company documents (trading license, tax clearance certificate, certificate of incorporation, VAT registration letter).

The release says the applicant will then receive information about their placement. 

A nother step is the submission of license for agrochemicals where applicable. 

It also states that all forms can be obtained from the Ozone Office at the Department of Meteorological Services Headquarters.

In addition, the release states that permit fees will be applied on all applications according to the Ozone Depleting Potential of the substance being imported/exported.

For further information, public members are advised to contact the Department of Meteorological Services on 3612200 or 3956281 or Email: rmanyathelo@gov.bw; tmolema@gov.bw. Ends