Emissions Trading Scheme 
Update 

Submitting Annual Emissions Returns for non-forestry participants

This is a reminder that all non-forestry participants need to submit an Annual Emissions Return (AER) by 31 March 2026. This return covers emissions for the 2025 reporting period.

Check your account details

To make the submission process as easy as possible, please check that your account details are correct in the New Zealand Emissions Trading Register (NZETR).

If you do not submit your AER by Tuesday 31 March 2026, a penalty may be issued. This penalty is based on your emissions and may be substantial.

To meet this deadline, please ensure you have an ETS Reporter, or an Account Holder User assigned to your holding account:

• How to manage ETS Reporters in the Register (PDF)
• How to change an Account Holder’s details in the Emissions Trading Register (PDF)

Extensions

If you are unable to submit your AER by 31 March 2026 you can apply for an extension of up to 20 working days through the NZETR (link provided above).

Please note that extension requests must be received before the due date and a genuine explanation of why you are unable to complete your application on time must be provided. You may also be asked to provide supporting information to assist the EPA to assess your extension request.

If your extension request is approved, the due date for your surrender obligation remains 2 June 2026 (the next working day after Sunday 31 May 2026).

Climate Change Commission’s 2026 advice on ETS settings

Letters between the Climate Change Commission and the Minister of Climate Change relating to the Commission’s forthcoming 2026 advice on ETS unit limits and price control settings for 2027-2031 have been published on the Commission’s website.

The letters set out the timing of advice to the Minister, implications of recent legislative and policy developments, and other matters of interest.  

Upcoming ETS auctions   

The first ETS auction for 2026 will take place on 3 March. Further auction dates for 2026 are scheduled for 9 June, 8 September and 1 December.

Any NZETR account holder can register to participate in ETS auctions. Units bought at auctions can be used to meet surrender and repayment obligations. These units may also be bought, sold or traded on the secondary market.   

More information about the NZ ETS market, and how to register as an auction participant, is available on the NZ ETS Auctions and Ministry for the Environment websites:  

• How to become an auction participant | NZ ETS Auctions   
• The NZ ETS market | Ministry for the Environment  
• Emissions Trading Scheme settings and regulations updated   | Ministry for the Environment  

If you are registered for auctions but no longer wish to participate in them, please email emissionstrading@epa.govt.nz and we can remove you.  

Compliance Reminders

Participants need to stay up to date with their filing, and on top of their obligations under the Climate Change Response Act (CCRA).

Failure to comply with the requirements may result in infringement fees, fines, or penalties.

Infringements, fees, and fines

Participants who fail to collect or provide information, keep records, or meet other ETS requirements are committing infringement offences.

More information on offences, fees and fines can be found online here: Summary of infringement offences and associated fees and fines – EPA website

For full details of offences, fees, and fines, please see the Climate Change Response (Infringement Offences) Regulations 2021:  Climate Change Response (Infringement Offences) Regulations 2021 – NZ Legislation website

Penalties

Two types of penalty apply under the CCRA.

A surrender/repayment penalty applies where a person does not surrender or repay units by the due date.

Each outstanding unit will incur a penalty of 3 x the price of units on the due date. The person is also required to surrender or repay the units in addition to paying the penalty. We do not have any discretion to reduce the penalty.

Reporting penalties apply where a person:

• does not submit their emissions return or allocation adjustment by the due date
• submits an incorrect emissions return, or
• provides incorrect information in an allocation application or adjustment.

More information regarding surrender/repayment and reporting penalties, can be found on our website here: 

CCRA-ETS-Penalties-Guidlines-2020.pdf

Need help?  

Emissions Trading Register

To open or discuss your holding account, for support with the Emissions Trading Register or any other non-forestry ETS queries:

• Phone 0800 CLIMATE (0800 25 46 28). Select option 2 
• Email Emissionstrading@epa.govt.nz
• Online Register guidance | EPA.govt.nz

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