The European Commission has adopted the first certification methodology under the EU Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming Regulation (CRCF), covering permanent carbon removals. The delegated regulation was published in the Official Journal on 17 April 2026 and will enter into force on 7 May 2026, paving the way for the first EU-certified carbon removal units to be issued in late 2026 or 2027.
Overview of the Framework
The CRCF Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/3012) establishes a Union certification framework for permanent carbon removals, carbon farming, and carbon storage in products. The framework sets broad certification criteria linked to quantification, additionality, long-term storage, and sustainability – known by the acronym QU.A.L.ITY. On 3 February 2026, the Commission adopted the first certification methodology as a delegated regulation, covering three permanent carbon removal activities:
- Direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS): the capture of atmospheric CO₂ from ambient air and subsequent transport and storage of that CO₂ by injection into geological storage sites.
- Biogenic emissions capture with carbon storage (BioCCS): the capture of biogenic CO₂ from a source of biomass, biofuel, bioliquid, or biomass fuel, and subsequent transport and storage of that CO₂ by injection into geological storage sites.
- Biochar carbon removal (BCR): the production of biochar by thermal treatment of biomass or biomass fuels and subsequent permanent storage of that biochar through application to soils or incorporation into materials.
For each activity, the methodology sets out nine certification requirements, including eligibility criteria, activity and monitoring periods, rules on long-term storage and liability, minimum sustainability requirements, and monitoring and reporting obligations. The delegated regulation was published in the Official Journal on 17 April 2026, entering into force on 7 May 2026.
Role in Post-2030 EU Climate Policy
Permanent carbon removals are set to play a significant role in post-2030 EU climate policy. With the 2026 amendment of the European Climate Law, carbon dioxide removal has been given a specific role in delivering on EU climate targets. The amended Climate Law specifies that the Commission must ensure the role of domestic permanent removals is appropriately reflected under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), an aspect to be addressed in the EU ETS revision planned for mid-2026. At the end of 2026, the Commission will propose revisions and initiatives for a post-2030 climate framework, where other types of CRCF certificates could also play a role.
Next Steps and Market Developments
The Commission is expected to adopt a certification methodology for carbon farming, including soil emissions reductions, before the summer break of 2026. The first certification methodology for long-lasting carbon storage in buildings is also expected during 2026. A legislative initiative on CO₂ transportation infrastructure and markets is planned for the third quarter of 2026.
On the demand side, the Commission has announced an EU buyers' club initiative to kick-start the voluntary market for CRCF credits, seeking to aggregate private demand and boost available finance into carbon dioxide removal projects through mechanisms such as pre-purchasing and offtake agreements. In a notable early development, on 26 March 2026, portfolio manager ClimeFi announced the first public transaction agreement for CRCF removal units, under which companies Nasdaq and Adyen will receive BioCCS carbon removal units from BECCS Stockholm operated by Stockholm Exergi.
Key takeaways for Stakeholders
The entry into force of the first CRCF certification methodology is a significant milestone for the EU's carbon removal policy architecture. Operators, project developers, and investors in the energy and environmental sectors should take note of the following:
- Certification schemes may now apply for recognition under the framework once the methodology enters into force on 7 May 2026, with assessments to follow a standardised protocol to be published by DG CLIMA.
- The methodology's requirements – particularly the biomass feedstock criteria, EU-location requirements, and activity period durations – will be central to project planning and compliance.
- The prospect of integration of permanent carbon removal certificates into the EU ETS, as part of the planned mid-2026 revision, could create significant compliance-driven demand for CRCF-certified units.
- Access to CCS technology, CO₂ transport infrastructure, and geological storage capacity remains essential to the viability of DACCS and BECCS activities under the framework.
- Further certification methodologies for carbon farming and carbon storage in products are anticipated during 2026, broadening the scope of activities that may be certified under the CRCF Regulation.
You can find the Delegated Regulation here. We are following developments and you are welcome to contact us if you have any questions about the CRCF, the carbon markets and other CCS matters.
