On April 9, 2026, Verra announced updates to its guidance for Article 6 and CORSIA labels. The revisions reflect recent decisions from UNFCCC and ICAO, along with Verra’s experience running the system. The changes make processes simpler for project developers and give buyers clearer information on how credits can be used. Verra also released a new buyer resource to help stakeholders choose the right labels for their needs.
Under the Paris Agreement, Article 6 allows countries to work together by buying and selling verified emissions reductions, which helps them meet their climate targets more efficiently while ensuring each reduction is only counted once. CORSIA gives airlines a structured way to offset emissions as the sector moves into its first formal compliance period from 2027 to 2029. Together, these frameworks create clearer rules on how credits are used across voluntary and compliance systems.
Key Updates to Article 6 Label Guidance (v1.1)
The update maintains the existing Article 6 Authorized labels but introduces a new Correspondingly Adjusted label.
Article 6 Authorized labels are defined by authorized use, which determines how a credit can be applied once transferred internationally:
- NDC use refers to carbon credits traded between countries to help the buying country meet its climate target. These credits must be formally authorized so the host country does not count the same emissions reduction toward its own target, which prevents double counting.
- International Mitigation Purposes refers to credits used in global systems like CORSIA. These credits are not counted toward a country’s own climate target, but they still require approval from the host country to ensure proper accounting. This helps keep records clear and avoids double counting.
- Other Purposes refers to voluntary use, such as corporate climate commitments. These credits are not required to have host country authorization under Article 6 rules. If authorization is granted, the credit receives a corresponding adjustment, which means the host country will not count the same reduction. This can improve credibility and make the credit more attractive to buyers.
The Correspondingly Adjusted label adds another layer of certainty. It is only applied after the host country formally reports the adjustment through the UNFCCC, with enough detail to link the adjustment to specific projects and credit vintages. This confirms the emissions reduction has been fully accounted for and will not be double counted.
Enhancements to CORSIA Label Guidance (v1.1)
The updated CORSIA guidance now specifies criteria for VCUs eligible for the second phase from 2027 to 2029, which is the first compliance period for aircraft operators. The updates also define requirements around insurance, Accounting Representation Deeds, and the difference between general CORSIA scope labels and fully eligible CORSIA labels.
These changes line up closely with the updated Article 6 guidance, making the overall system easier to follow and more consistent across both markets. By clearly defining label types and eligibility rules, Verra is helping project developers and buyers participate in CORSIA with greater confidence all while meeting ICAO requirements.
New Resource for Buyers: “Choosing the Right Article 6 Label”
Recognizing that buyers have different needs, whether for compliance, voluntary use, or CORSIA, Verra released a simple buyer’s guide. The guide helps buyers choose the right Article 6 label based on their goals. It uses a one page checklist or decision tree format, which makes it easier to navigate a market that is becoming more complex.
Market Implications
These updates point to a more segmented market, not a uniform one. By clearly separating Article 6 aligned, CORSIA eligible, and voluntary credits, Verra reinforces the idea that not all credits carry the same value. Credits with corresponding adjustments or compliance eligibility may trade at a premium as regulated demand grows. Unlabeled voluntary credits could face more scrutiny.
This creates a clearer divide between high integrity, policy aligned credits and the broader voluntary market. On the supply side, stricter requirements may limit how many credits qualify for these higher tier labels. That could tighten availability even as demand rises.
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