The EC has adopted the first set of standards to certify activities that permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere.

The carbon removals and carbon farming (CRCF) Regulation allows voluntary certification with clear rules that should encourage climate innovation, investment in carbon removal technologies and address greenwashing.

The new rules cover three types of permanent carbon removal activities, selected for their technological maturity and potential contribution to the EU’s climate objectives:

Direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS)
Biogenic emissions capture with carbon storage (BioCCS)
Biochar carbon removal (BCR)

Wopke Hoekstra, European commissioner for climate, net-zero and clean growth stated, “The European Union is taking decisive action to lead the global effort in carbon removals. By establishing clear, robust voluntary standards, we are not only fostering responsible and climate action within Europe but also setting a global benchmark for others to follow. This a vital step toward achieving our climate neutrality targets and ensuring a sustainable future.”

The delegated Regulation will now be transmitted to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for a two-month scrutiny period, which may be extended by a further two months. In the absence of objections, it is expected to be published in the Official Journal in early April, with entry into force 20 days thereafter.

The Commission is finalising two additional delegated regulations for certification methodologies, with adoption expected in 2026 regarding carbon farming methodologies for activities such as agriculture and agroforestry, peatland rewetting and afforestation and methodologies for carbon storage in bio-based construction products, which will help building owners demonstrate the carbon-storage performance of their buildings, and encourage the construction sector to adopt circular-bioeconomy principles.

To kick-start the voluntary market for CRCF credits, the Commission announced the establishment of an EU Buyers’ Club for permanent removals and carbon farming under the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy.

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