National emission inventories of ozone‐depleting substances (ODS) play a key role in the control mechanisms of the Montreal Protocol's emission reduction plans. New quasi‐continuous ground‐based atmospheric measurements allow us to estimate China's current emissions of the most effective ODS. This serves as an independent validation of China's ODS consumption data reported to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Emissions of most first‐generation ODS have declined in recent years, suggesting compliance with the regulations of China's advanced phase‐out program. In contrast the emissions of some second‐generation ODS have increased. Because China is currently one of the largest consumers of first generation ODS, the country's upcoming complete phase‐out will be crucial for the rate of decline of atmospheric ODS hence the eventual recovery of the stratospheric ozone.