Informal Prior-informed Consent (iPIC): Supporting Compliance through Prevention of Illegal and Unwanted Trade in Ozone Depleting Substances

This document provides a practical overview of the informal Prior-Informed Consent (iPIC) mechanism established by UNEP's OzonAction Programme to strengthen global efforts against illegal and unwanted trade in ozone depleting substances (ODS). It details how iPIC enables participating countries to exchange information and coordinate licensing of ODS imports and exports through a secure, voluntary system, helping prevent unauthorized shipments and support compliance under the Montreal Protocol. The document outlines simple steps for countries to join iPIC, describes operational procedures, and cites concrete results—such as the prevention of over 545 metric tonnes of illicit ODS trade in 2014. With 113 member countries—including major exporters like China, Singapore, and the European Union—the summary emphasizes iPIC's effectiveness as a collaborative tool, highlights its evolving features, and encourages both existing and new participants to actively engage in and benefit from this initiative.