The Chinese government banned the production and consumption of CFC-113, a kind of ozone depleting substances (ODS), starting from Sunday.

The decision was made in accordance with the government's pledge to phase out ODS production and consumption, said a bulletin issued by the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA).

The SEPA warned that any units or individuals that continue to produce and use CFC-113 will be punished according to laws.

Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs which are used in refrigeration and air conditioning have been identified as the main substance damaging the ozone shield.

The ozone layer shields the Earth from the harmful ultraviolet-B radiation of the sun. It also completely screens out lethal UV-C radiation.

Under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, developed countries have agreed to phase out the chemicals by Jan. 1, 2005, while developing countries have a Jan. 1, 2015, deadline.

China has pledged to phase out major ODS production and consumption by 2010.

(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2006)