This document presents a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Union framework for the certification of permanent carbon removal, carbon management and carbon storage in products. The main objective of this Regulation is to support the achievement of EU climate goals in accordance with The Paris Agreement, through:

• Increases in carbon removal from the atmosphere,
• Reductions in emissions from soil,
• Support for sustainable practices in agriculture and forestry.

The regulation introduces voluntary certification systemwhich is to ensure transparency and credibility activities aimed at carbon removal. At the same time, it has prevent greenwashing, i.e. false claims about ecological sustainability.

Key points of the regulation:

• Definitions: The regulation clearly defines terms such as "permanent carbon removal", "carbon economy", "carbon storage in products", "operator" and others.
• Eligibility criteria: Activities eligible for certification must meet the following criteria:
  • Quantification: Carbon removal and emission reduction from land must be quantified accurately and reliably.
  • Additionality: Activities must go beyond existing legal requirements and be financially viable through certification.
  • Storage, monitoring and accountability: Operators must ensure long-term carbon storage, monitor risks of leakage and be held accountable for any leaks.
  • Sustainability: Activities must not have a negative impact on the environment and must benefit sustainability goals such as climate change mitigation, biodiversity protection, etc.
• Certification methodology: The European Commission will develop detailed methodological guidelines for different types of carbon removal activities.
• Certification: Certification is carried out by independent certification bodies accredited by national authorities.
• Certification schemes: Operators must participate in certification schemes that must be transparent and reliable.
• Registers: The European Commission will establish a Union carbon removal registry to track certified units and prevent double counting.
• Recognition of certification schemes: Only schemes recognised by the European Commission can be used to demonstrate compliance with the Regulation.
• Reporting: Certification schemes must regularly report on their activities to the European Commission.

The regulation further establishes a review and amendment process, as well as a process for the delegation of powers.

Permanent carbon removal refers to human activity that removes CO ₂ removed from the atmosphere and stored safely and permanently for centuries. Some examples:

The annexes to the regulation provide detailed information on the elements of the certification methodology and the minimum content of certificates. You can download the document here.

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