Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1996 (London Protocol)
Date of signature: 7 November 1996
Entry into force: 24 March 2006
Geographical scope: All marine waters, other than the internal waters of States.
Contracting Parties: Status of ratifications as of July 2010
Current classification of CO2 under the Protocol: substance included in 'wastes and other matter to be considered for dumping' (Annex 1). Current status of CCS under the Protocol: permitted activity subject to entry into force of the 2009 amendment to Article 6.
In 2007, Contracting Parties to the London Protocol adopted an amendment in order to allow CCS projects to be consistent its provisions (see London Protocol Section). However, no specific rules were established with respect to the transport of CO2 offshore for geological storage.
Proposals for amending Article 6 concerning 'export of wastes and other matter' were submitted by the Parties to allow cross-border transport of CO2 and facilitate CCS development. Contracting Parties adopted this amendment in October 2009, but it has not yet entered force.
For details on this amendment, please see section on the Resolution on the Amendment of Article 6 of the London Protocol.