Emissions Trading Scheme 
Update 

2025 Annual Emissions Returns  

The 2025 reporting year emissions returns and surrender period has now concluded. We're pleased to report a high level of compliance across the scheme, with 98% of participants meeting both their surrender obligations and submitting their emissions returns on time. Thank you for meeting your obligations and contributing to the effective functioning of the scheme.

Audit programme commencing  

The EPA is commencing a programme of routine audits of emissions returns to support accurate reporting and a trusted NZ ETS. Selected participants will be contacted directly if they are required to provide further information to support figures reported in emissions returns.

Multi-factor authentication coming soon

Later this year, multi-factor authentication (MFA) will become mandatory for NZ ETS Register users to access and use the Register. Users will be able to authenticate using:

• An authenticator app, or
• SMS verification

This change will further strengthen account security and help protect Register accounts and transactions. More information including implementation dates will be provided soon.

Reminder on login details   

Your Register account is for your individual use only. Register usernames and passwords must not be shared. If multiple people require access, each user should have their own login. You remain responsible for all activities that occur under your user profile.

Read the Register Terms and Conditions

Reporting updates

We're reviewing the publication frequency of the Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Levy Report and Participants Report and are proposing to move from quarterly to annual reporting from 2027.

These reports are accessed much less frequently than our other reports. In response to stakeholder feedback, we've focused our reporting efforts on information people tell us they find most useful, including the ETS Unit Movement Report and Privately Held Units Report, which are now produced monthly.

If you regularly use the Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Levy Report or Participants Report, please share your feedback by emailing us at: emissionstrading@epa.govt.nz

Guidance on Processed Engineered Fuels

The EPA has published guidance clarifying how Processed Engineered Fuels (PEFs) are treated under the NZ ETS. PEFs are fuels manufactured from waste materials, such as municipal or industrial waste streams.

If your organisation uses, or is considering using PEFs, we encourage you to review the guidance.

Read the PEF guidance

Consultation on NZ ETS settings now open

The Government is currently consulting on NZ ETS unit limit and price control settings, alongside annual regulatory updates. This is an opportunity to provide feedback on proposed changes. Consultation closes on 12 July.

View the consultation and make a submission

Voluntary nature and carbon markets

The Government has released its approach to increasing confidence in New Zealand's voluntary nature and carbon markets.

Learn more

Applications now open under carbon removal framework

Applications are now open under the Carbon Removals Assessment Framework. This includes a new online self-assessment tool for potential participants in carbon removal activities.

Find out more about the framework and access the new Carbon Removals Activity Check

Need help?  

Forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme (administered by MPI)

For questions related to forest land, including native forests, contact the Ministry for Primary Industries Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service:

• Phone 0800 CLIMATE (0800 25 46 28). Select option 1 
• Email ForestryETS@mpi.govt.nz
• Online Forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme | mpi.govt.nz

Emissions Trading Register

To open or discuss your holding account, or for support with the Emissions Trading Register:

• Phone 0800 CLIMATE (0800 254 628). Select option 2 
• Email Emissionstrading@epa.govt.nz
• Online Register guidance | EPA.govt.nz