Multi-year, real-time atmospheric carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) record obtained at Gosan station (33° N, 126° E) presents evidence of significant unreported emissions of this first-generation ozone-depleting substance. The missing emissions (~ 19 Gg yr⁻¹) for China contribute to approximately 54 % of global emissions and are most likely related to CCl₄ escape occurring during the production of chlorinated compounds and their usage as feedstocks and process agents in chemical manufacturing industries.