Entered into force at the end of 2024, the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) is the voluntary regulatory framework for the certification of carbon removals in the EU.
The CRCF is not only relevant for those who want to certify their carbon removal activities and generate certified units. It also creates opportunities for organizations that wish to apply as certification schemes recognized by the European Commission, as well as for technical entities that intend to conduct audits to verify project compliance.
The first certifications are expected between late 2026 and early 2027. Understanding how the CRCF works and the roles involved is therefore an important first step for anyone interested in participating.
The operator: the entity that carries out the removal activity
The operator is the person or organization that manages or controls a carbon removal activity.
To participate in the CRCF, the first step is to select a certification scheme recognized by the European Commission.
Before the activity begins, the operator must prepare two key documents. The activity plan describes the planned activity, the context in which it takes place, the practices or technologies used, and the expected removal outcomes. The monitoring plan explains how data will be collected, which indicators will be used, and how frequently measurements will be taken in order to estimate the climate benefit in a credible way.
Once the plans have been validated, the operator implements the activity and periodically prepares monitoring reports documenting the climate benefits achieved. After verification, these reports form the basis for the issuance of the certificate of conformity and the corresponding certified units.
At the end of the activity period, if required by the certification methodology, the operator must continue monitoring the stored carbon for a defined period and submit an additional monitoring report. At this stage, the objective is no longer to quantify removals, but to ensure that the carbon remains stored and that any reversal risks are properly managed.
The certification scheme: overseeing the certification process
The certification scheme is a public or private body responsible for managing, coordinating, and overseeing the entire certification process.
To operate under the CRCF, a scheme must be formally recognized by the European Commission, which is expected to launch the first call for applications in 2026. Both schemes already active in the voluntary carbon market and schemes operating under other EU regulations — such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) or the regulation on organic farming — are encouraged to apply, building on their existing expertise.
Schemes ensure that certification methodologies are applied correctly and that the four CRCF quality criteria — quantification, additionality, long-term storage, and sustainability — are respected. They also appoint, train, and oversee the certification bodies that carry out independent verifications of removal activities.
Each scheme maintains its own certification registry. Each scheme maintains its own certification registry. It ensures transparency by publishing key documents, including activity plans, verification reports, and certificates of conformity, and by guaranteeing the traceability of certified units. This responsibility will remain with individual schemes until the EU’s centralized registry becomes operational, which is currently expected in 2028.
The certification body: the independent verifier
The certification body is responsible for the technical validation and verification of activities. It is an independent organization accredited by a national accreditation body or recognized by a competent national authority.
Its role is to assess whether the operator’s activity complies with the CRCF quality criteria and to produce the corresponding audit reports and certificates of conformity. Certification bodies operate under the supervision of the certification scheme.
The European Commission has also signaled its intention to facilitate the participation of bodies already active under the EU Emissions Trading System and the Renewable Energy Directive, recognizing the technical expertise and established control procedures developed in those regulatory contexts.
Kyklos Carbon: supporting your certification journey
At Kyklos Carbon, we support all actors interested in participating in the Carbon Removal Certification Framework: operators of carbon removal projects, potential certification schemes, and certification bodies.
We are currently developing a platform designed to simplify the entire certification process, from managing operational steps to preparing the required documentation.
The platform is still under development. Get in touch with us to stay updated on upcoming developments and to apply as a beta tester when it becomes available.
CRCF: key players in EU carbon removal certification