Lesotho has enacted the Environment Act of 2008 under which Section 113 deals with the control of Ozone Depleting Substances and the protection of the ozone layer. This section of the Act is enforced by the Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations of 2024 (Lesotho Gazette No. 30 of 26th April 2024). The aim of the Regulations is to control consumption including production and export of all Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and HydroFluoroCarbons (HFCs) in the country. Through proper implementation of the Regulations, Lesotho will remain compliant to the Montreal Protocol and adhere to the set reduction schedule target under the HydroChloroFluroCarbons Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP). The Regulations prohibits the importation of new ozone depleting substances/ HFCs and climate unfriendly technologies under Section 3(1).

Section (4) of the Regulations has the provision to issue licenses for operating businesses and is provided when importing, exporting or manufacturing controlled substances or technologies. It permits the Director to issue or refuse to issue the license if the applicant does not meet the prescribed requirements. Furthermore, section (4) gives provisions for essential uses and otherwise a penalty of M5,000 (about US$450) is imposed on the importer. Then, Section (5) provides provocations that the Director can apply to ensure that the Regulations are enforced. Variations to the license are covered under Section (3).

Status of Lesotho in relation to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)

The registrations of companies to import ODSs into the country form an important part of Section (7) including obligation of submission of reports or licensing and quota system to monitor the border control. Import and export of controlled substances, servicing air conditioners and refrigerators, labeling and duties of the customs officials are covered in other separate sections.

The disposal and recovery of controlled substances and products is enforced through Regulation 9 that provides the guidelines and procedures for its climate friendly processes. The Regulations under servicing of air conditioners and refrigerators, Section 13 have the provision for certification of the Technicians. However, this section is fully enforced.

The Regulations under servicing of air conditioners and refrigerators, Section 13(b) have the provision for certification of the Technicians. However, this section is not yet fully enforced due to financial and technical constraints. Nonetheless, performance certificates are awarded to Technicians after formal trainings are provided at technical institutions.

A full document is available at EPA website.