On 3 February 2026, the European Commission formally adopted the Delegated Act establishing the first certification methodologies under the EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) — formally Regulation (EU) 2024/3012. The adopted rules cover three types of permanent carbon removal: Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS), Biogenic Emissions Capture with Carbon Storage (BioCCS), and Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR). This is the world's first binding, government-issued quality standard for permanent CDR activities.
The Carbon Removal Certification Framework is a voluntary EU-wide certification system. Projects and operators that meet its quality criteria — covering quantification, additionality, long-term storage, sustainability, and third-party verification — can receive an official EU CRCF certificate. This certificate is legally recognised across the EU and can be used by companies to substantiate climate claims under emerging corporate sustainability reporting requirements.
The framework covers three broad activity categories: permanent carbon removals (the subject of the February 2026 Delegated Act), carbon farming (soil carbon, agroforestry, peatland — under consultation), and carbon storage in long-lasting products (e.g. biochar in construction materials).
DACCS (Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage) uses industrial fans and chemical processes to pull CO₂ directly from the atmosphere, then injects it into geological formations. Current global DAC capacity removes well under 1 million tonnes per year — far below the scale required — but CRCF certification provides the EU regulatory foundation for future scaling and public procurement.
BioCCS (Biogenic Emissions Capture with Carbon Storage) combines biomass energy production with carbon capture at point of emission, then injects the CO₂ underground. Often called BECCS, it generates negative emissions when the biomass feedstock is certified sustainable and sequestration is permanent.
BCR (Biochar Carbon Removal) converts organic biomass into biochar through pyrolysis (low-oxygen heating), producing a stable carbon-rich material that resists decomposition for centuries. Biochar can be incorporated into soils, concrete, or other products, locking in the carbon while delivering co-benefits for soil health and agricultural productivity.
Why this matters: The CRCF creates a premium, EU-certified removal credit class. Projects certified under CRCF can command higher prices than uncertified VCM credits — and may qualify directly as "Article 6.4-equivalent" for VCMI Platinum claims once interoperability is established.
Draft methodologies for carbon farming — covering sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, peatland rewetting, and afforestation — were published for public consultation in early 2026, with the Delegated Act expected in summer 2026. These will generate temporary units (unlike the permanent methods above), with monitoring periods of 5 to 30 years. The Commission will begin accepting applications for certification scheme recognition in early 2026.
The CRCF is a pivotal development for the European carbon removal market. TrustVal expects CRCF-certified credits to attract a 20–40% price premium over generic voluntary market credits, driven by regulatory recognition, corporate reporting compliance, and buyer-side differentiation. Project developers with DACCS, BioCCS or BCR activities in Europe should begin CRCF alignment assessments immediately — the first certification decisions are likely in late 2026, giving early movers a significant first-mover advantage.
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