Decision 97/39

The Executive Committee decided:

1. To note:
   1. The progress report on the implementation of the third tranche of stage II of the HCFC phase-out management plan (HPMP) for Argentina;
   2. The report on the update on the status of availability of alternatives, with low global-warming potential (GWP), to HCFC-141b in the foam sector and on the transitional use of high-GWP alternatives in the context of stage II of the HPMP for Argentina;
2. To request the Government of Argentina and UNIDO to submit:
   1. In line with decision 92/31(c)(ii), at the 98th meeting, an update on the local market availability of low-GWP alternatives to HCFC-141b in the foam sector and on the transitional use of high-GWP alternatives;
   2. On a yearly basis until completion of the project, progress reports on the implementation of the work programme associated with the final tranche, and a project completion report to the first meeting of the Executive Committee in 2028;
   3. In the subsequent progress report referred to in subparagraph (b)(ii):
      1. The updated list of downstream polyurethane (PU) foam enterprises being assisted by the Multilateral Fund under stage II, including their HCFC-141b consumption phased out, the subsector concerned, the baseline equipment and the technology adopted;
      2. Revised dates for the commitment by the Government of Argentina to issue a ban on the import and use of HCFC-141b pure or contained in pre-blended polyols for the manufacture of PU foam; a ban on the import and use of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b for the manufacture of extruded polystyrene foam; and a ban on the import and use of HCFC-141b for flushing refrigeration circuits during servicing;
3. To approve:
   1. On an exceptional basis, the extension of the duration of stage II of the HPMP for Argentina to 31 December 2027, on the understanding that no further extension would be requested; and
   2. The fourth and final tranche of stage II of the HPMP for Argentina, and the corresponding 2026–2027 tranche implementation plan, in the amount of US $919,124, plus agency support costs of US $64,339.