Overall Deployment of the National Carbon Emission Rights Trading Market for 2026
Recently, the China Environment Exchange issued the Notice on Successfully Carrying Out Relevant Work for the National Carbon Emission Rights Trading Market in 2026, clarifying the key management tasks for the carbon market in 2026. This notice was formulated based on policy requirements recently released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, aiming to promote the healthy and orderly development of the national carbon market while further strengthening emission management and compliance work for key emission units.
Strengthening the Management of the Directory of Key Emission Units
The notice emphasizes that provincial-level ecological and environmental departments must formulate the 2027 list of key emission units within the specified timeframe. Enterprises in the power generation, steel, cement, and aluminum smelting industries with annual direct emissions ≥ 26,000 tons of CO2 equivalent should be included in the national carbon market directory of key emission units and announced to the public. Enterprises included in the directory will undertake stricter obligations regarding carbon emission accounting, reporting, and compliance.
Strict Implementation of Data Accounting and Quality Management
The notice stipulates that key emission units must conduct greenhouse gas emission accounting and reporting in accordance with technical specifications formulated by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. They must also carry out online storage of monthly emission data and submit annual reports through the national carbon market management platform. Simultaneously, local authorities must organize the formulation and implementation of data quality control plans to improve the integrity and accuracy of emission data, providing a reliable basis for subsequent quota clearing.
Requirements for Quota Allocation and Compliance Clearing
The allocation and clearing of carbon emission quotas for 2026 remain the core compliance links. Enterprises must fulfill their quota clearing obligations in full and on time; otherwise, they will face compliance audits and corresponding penalties from regulatory departments. Local competent authorities should guide enterprises in properly carrying out quota verification, allocation, and clearing processes to ensure the stable operation of the national carbon market.
Expansion to Other Key Industries and Compliance Reminders
It is noteworthy that, in addition to the four core industries, the notice also includes high-emission industries such as petrochemicals, chemicals, non-ferrous smelting, and papermaking within the scope of greenhouse gas emission reporting management. Enterprises that are not included in the national carbon market directory but meet the emission threshold must also fulfill reporting obligations. This means more high-carbon emission enterprises need to plan ahead for carbon emission data management and verification preparations.
Source: National Carbon Market Information Network https://www.cets.org.cn/tzgg/7326.jhtml
