Ozone Depleting Substances – why it matters to aircraft import and export

13 Sep 2024

You may be aware that the online system for declaring the import and export of all goods in the UK has been overhauled in the last few years. The portal, known as the customs declaration system (“CDS”) is used to input information about the goods to be imported or exported using specific customs codes.

Recent improvements to CDS means that all importers and exporters of aircraft are required to hold a valid GB ozone depleting substances (“ODS”) licence from the UK Environment Agency. If you do not hold a valid ODS license your import or export will be delayed.

What are ODS gases?

ODS gases are chemicals that destroy the earth’s protective ozone layer. The production of ODS is controlled by the Montreal Protocol (on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer) which entered into force in 1989 and became the first universally ratified treaty in United Nations history.

In respect of aircraft, ODS gases (which include Halon) can be found in the critically installed equipment on board aircraft, be that in portable fire extinguishers or fixed fire suppression systems.

ODS are regulated by UK law and the only type of ODS import/export which can be licenced for use on aircraft are Group III halons:

Halon 1211 – Bromochlorodifluoromethane

Halon 1301 – Bromotrifluoromethane

Halon 2402 – Dibromotetrafluoroethanes

How do you get an ODS license?

An ODS licences can be applied for online via through the UK Government website. The online application is relatively easy to complete, and we have set out the steps below.

Step 1 to obtain the licence is to register for an ODS account  – the link is: Register (ozone-depleting-substances.service.gov.uk). Once an application has been submitted the applicant will receive a registration ID number.

Stage 2 is to apply for the licence by completing the online application – the link is: Licence Application (ozone-depleting-substances.service.gov.uk)

Why is getting an ODS license important for an import or export?

The ODS licence number must be entered into CDS at the time of making the customs declaration for aircraft inbound and outbound. Without the ODS license the customs entry will be delayed and referred to another Government department for further information.

Who needs to get an ODS license?

The licence needs to be in the name of the aircraft operator (or owner) and must match the details of the importer party.  An operator cannot declare an ODS licence held in the name of another party.

Separate import and export licences are required.

Please note, the need for an ODS license applies to all aircraft (UK and non-UK owned or registered). This applied even if the aircraft already holds an EU ODS licence – a UK ODS license will also be required if the aircraft is being imported or exported from the UK or Isle of Man.

Need more help?

The Martyn Fiddler customs team submit multiple customs declarations daily, whether it be import, export or to customs warehouse or inward processing, special procedures held under our customs approvals.

If you have any questions regarding the need for an ODS license or any of our customs services please contact us on and we would be pleased to help.

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