Beijing, 14 September 2026 — Today the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) celebrated China successfully phasing-out HCFCs in its solvent sector, under the Montreal Protocol's Stage II. Together with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) of China and the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center (FECO), UNDP convened a Solvent Sector conference at the UN Building in Beijing.  

The Experience Exchange and Commendation Conference on the Phase-Out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) brought together officials, industry representatives, and development partners to mark the end of a three-decade journey for China's solvent sector. It comes just over two months after China's nationwide ban on the use of HCFCs as cleaning agents took effect on 1 July 2026, following the issuance of MEE Announcement No. 30 in December 2025.  

Since the launch of the Stage II HCFCs phase-out project in 2016, UNDP has worked in close partnership with FECO to support these efforts. Over the past decade, the collaboration has enabled approximately 53 enterprises across 12 provinces to complete conversion projects. 

"China's solvent sector phase-out represents the final sprint in this compliance journey, and UNDP has been proud to stand alongside Chinese partners every step of the way," said Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in China, at the opening ceremony.  "What we have achieved here demonstrates that industrial transformation and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand."

The conference recognized enterprises that successfully completed HCFCs phase-out projects. Certificates of compliance were presented to industry leaders by representatives from UNDP China, the Department of Atmospheric Environment (MEE), FECO, and the Industrial Cleaning Association of China.

Their results extend beyond environmental gains. In the Disposable Medical Devices subsector, where women comprise 80% of workers, the shift to clean energy technologies has improved workshop conditions and reduced labour intensity, proving that environmental protection and social progress can reinforce each other.

The conference also featured experience-sharing sessions where enterprise leaders discussed alternative technology choices. Industry experts and government officials addressed challenges and transition pathways for the sector in the post-ban era.

It coincides with the lead-up to the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on 16 September, underscoring the sector's contribution to global ozone protection efforts.

With the ban now in effect, UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to continuing support for China in promoting green alternative technologies, building compliance capacities, and sharing international experiences, as the industry moves from the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances towards a sustainable, low-carbon future for all.