iPIC is a voluntary and informal mechanism of information exchange on intended trade between countries in ozone depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), mixtures containing these as well as products and equipment. It enables countries to share details of eligible importers and exporters with other member countries through a secure online platform. Designated iPIC focal points can also carry out simple consultations with their trading partner countries prior to intended shipments of ODS. iPIC initially began as a manual paper-based system and based on its effectiveness, was launched as an online platform in 2006. It is maintained by UNEP OzonAction to help countries facilitate and monitor ODS trade and avoid illegal or unwanted shipments. iPIC has become a global voluntary initiative used by more than 100 like-minded states who wish to strengthen the implementation of their national licensing system for ODS and HFCs.

Benefits of iPIC

1.Quick exchange of information helping clarify the status of intended ODS and HFC shipments and expedite legal trade and prevent illegal or unwanted ODS trade

2.Enables Parties to better monitor the controlled substances entering and/or leaving their territories, ensuring the country’s compliance with the Montreal Protocol

3.iPIC is a useful tool which can be used to reduce discrepancies between import and export data, to identify and reduce illegal trade and cases of non-compliance with domestic legislation

4.iPIC contributes to forging valuable links and fosters good working relations between responsible staff in trade partner countries

iPIC has helped to clarify the status of many hundreds of suspicious or uncertain shipments since its inception and has been responsible for preventing hundreds of illegal, unauthorised and ‘unwanted’ shipments iPIC has also facilitated the legal trade and prevented illegal or unwanted trade in thousands of metric tonnes of ODS including HCFCs, CFCs halons, and HBFCs as well as trade in HFCs and equipment.

What’s new in the updated iPIC platform?

The iPIC platform has been re-designed and improved, responding to comments and suggestions from regular users:

1.Now includes HFCs and HFC mixtures

2.Streamlined navigation and operation with an improved interface

3.Simple and straightforward data entry

4.A new secure system of communication with trade partners

5.Encrypted password-protected access with improved security

6.Graphical display of main data (individual and global)

UNEP OzonAction encourages countries to proactively use the iPIC mechanism to assist in their efforts in Montreal Protocol implementation. Many countries include the use of iPIC as an element in their Institutional Strengthening projects. All countries have been invited by the Montreal Protocol Meeting of Parties to consider participation in iPIC as a means to improve information about their potential imports of controlled substances with the aim of reducing the difference between reports of imports and exports of ODS and helping to identify illegal trade.

(Source: UNEP OzonAction)