MAE granted official authority to issue emission quota serial codes

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued Circular No. 11/2026/TT-BNNMT, which sets out rules for managing and operating the National Registration System for greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits. The regulation applies to agencies under the Ministry, stock exchanges, organizations with facilities receiving emission quotas, and entities participating in carbon credit exchange and offset programs.

Accounts linked to tax identification numbers

The National Registration System records and stores key information, including account holders, quota and credit quantities, domestic identification codes, serial numbers, status, and transaction history.

The system is integrated with carbon trading, depository, and settlement platforms. All requests made through registered accounts must be verified using the electronic identification system of the National Public Service Portal. Once authenticated, transactions carry the same legal validity as documents signed by the account holder's legal representative.

 In early February 2026, the Prime Minister approved a pilot greenhouse gas emission quota for the 2025-2026 period. The quotas are expected to be distributed to 110 facilities operating in thermal power generation, iron and steel production, and cement manufacturing.

According to the Ciruclar, each organization is allowed only one registration account on the National Registration System, even if it operates multiple facilities subject to quota allocation. This single account will be used to monitor emissions and fulfill compliance obligations for all facilities under its management.

Account identification codes are tied directly to the organization’s tax identification number. To ensure smooth coordination, account holders must register and maintain contact details for at least two designated representatives who will work with the Ministry through the system.

Facilities may transfer quotas, borrow allowances, and use carbon credits to offset emissions in accordance with applicable regulations. The Circular also outlines procedures for canceling registrations, handling revoked quotas or credits, and addressing cases of non-compliance.

Domestic codes and serial numbers issued by a single authority

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is the only body authorized to issue and manage domestic identification codes and serial numbers for emission quotas and carbon credits. Each quota or carbon credit is assigned a unique domestic code used for identification within Viet Nam. These codes are stored electronically and cannot be reissued once canceled. Emission quota codes consist of six characters, while carbon credit codes contain nine characters.

Serial numbers for emission quotas combine the domestic code with a 10-digit sequence number representing each individual unit within the allocated quota for a specific period.

Similarly, carbon credits approved for trading are assigned serial numbers that include the domestic code and a 10-digit sequence corresponding to each credit unit issued under a particular project or program.

Strengthening transparency and data security

The Ministry will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure transparency, data protection, and regular disclosure of information on quota usage and carbon credit trading. Coordination and information exchange among the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Viet Nam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation, and the Hanoi Stock Exchange must comply with legal regulations governing Viet Nam’s carbon market, the provisions of this Circular, and cooperation agreements between the parties.

Data maintained on the National Registration System serves as the official reference source. Authorities may compare and adjust information if discrepancies arise between systems, except for data related to custody, trading, and settlement activities.

Data sharing between systems will be conducted through secure transmission channels or encrypted application interfaces.

Transaction details, ownership balances, and account information will be reconciled at the end of each working day. Any discrepancies identified will be jointly reviewed and corrected by the relevant agencies.

All information sharing and usage must comply with laws on state secrecy protection, cybersecurity, and related legal requirements.

Viet Nam has officially begun allocating greenhouse gas emission quotas for the first time. Carbon credits generated under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) will be eligible for trading on the domestic carbon exchange. Transactions on the carbon market must be fully backed by sufficient funds and available quotas at the time an order is placed.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Circular marks an important step toward fulfilling Viet Nam’s international commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. The National Registration System is expected to improve management efficiency while making it easier for organizations to participate in carbon trading, offsetting, and emission reduction activities. The Circular officially took effect on February 13, 2026.