The National Ozone Unit (NOU) was established in 1997 to facilitate the phase out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) in Jamaica. The phase out is part of Jamaica's obligations under the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, an agreement between countries to phase out the use of ODSs within stipulated time frames.

Jamaica became a party to the agreement in 1993 and phased out the use of ozone depleting refrigerants known as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as at 1 January 2006, four years ahead of the Montreal Protocol schedule for developing countries.

The NOU also acts as a liaison between the Jamaican Government and international bodies such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).