Stay Ahead: Navigate Policies, Regulations & Standards with Confidence

The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), launched in 2005 and now in its fourth trading phase (2021–2030), regulates roughly 45% of the EU's greenhouse gases. It covers power, industry, aviation, and maritime transport, with shipping operators surrendering allowances from 2025 onward. Operators must monitor, verify, and report emissions annually, then surrender allowances by 30 September via the Union Registry.

Under Australia’s co-regulatory packaging regime, brand owners with turnover ≥ AUD 5 million must report annually under the Packaging Sustainability Framework. Membership fees are based on turnover rather than packaging type. Companies can choose compliance via APCO or directly under state/territory NEPM rules. Reforms toward extended producer responsibility are in progress.

The ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42:2022) provide global, principles-based guidance to help organizations and governments plan credible net-zero pathways. They align territorial and value-chain approaches, emphasize reduction before removal, require transparent reporting, and support consistent, verifiable net-zero claims.

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) is the United Kingdom’s cap-and-trade system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It applies to power generation, energy-intensive industries, and aviation, requiring operators to monitor, verify, and report emissions annually. Participants must submit verified reports by 31 March and surrender allowances by 30 April each year. The scheme, in force since January 2021, replaces the UK’s participation in the EU ETS and is managed jointly by the UK, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish authorities. It forms part of the UK’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with upcoming expansions to the maritime and waste sectors. Non-compliance may result in financial penalties, permit suspension, or public disclosure of breaches.

The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) is a mandatory cap-and-trade system covering key emitting sectors such as energy, industry, waste, and forestry. Participants must register, report verified emissions, and surrender New Zealand Units (NZUs) each year. Established under the Climate Change Response Act, the scheme supports New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy. While participation is compulsory for covered sectors, agriculture and certain small emitters are currently exempt. Non-compliance can result in financial penalties and enforcement actions by the Environmental Protection Authority.

The Swiss Emissions Trading System operates under Switzerland’s CO₂ Act, requiring regulated installations and aviation to monitor, report, and surrender allowances equivalent to their emissions. Linked to the EU ETS since 2020, participants may receive free allocation or buy allowances via auctions or secondary markets. The scheme is mandatory for covered entities, with certain exemptions for small emitters and sectors subject to alternative obligations. Non-compliance may result in fines, administrative sanctions, and enforcement actions by Swiss environmental authorities. Recent legislative reforms approved in 2024 (effective 1 January 2025) strengthen climate targets and enhance alignment with the EU ETS framework.

The EU’s revised Industrial and Livestock Rearing Emissions Directive (IED 2.0), in force since August 2024, expands pollution-control rules to more sectors and livestock farms. It strengthens monitoring, emissions reporting, and introduces mandatory environmental management systems from 2027. Member States must transpose the directive by mid-2026, with the Commission preparing supporting guidance.

Denmark has introduced a Producer Responsibility for Packaging regulation that requires companies to take full financial and operational responsibility for the packaging they place on the market. From 2025, producers and importers must register, report annual packaging data, and contribute to recycling costs through collective schemes. The measure aligns with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and aims to boost circular economy practices, reduce waste, and encourage eco-design in packaging materials.

The EU Taxonomy Regulation establishes a unified classification system to determine which economic activities can be considered environmentally sustainable. It guides investors, businesses, and policymakers toward projects that genuinely contribute to the EU’s climate and environmental goals. Companies subject to EU sustainability reporting laws must disclose the proportion of their operations aligned with the Taxonomy’s criteria, including climate mitigation, pollution prevention, and circular economy objectives. The regulation aims to increase transparency, prevent greenwashing, and direct capital toward sustainable growth.

Germany’s Packaging Act (VerpackG) makes producers, importers, and online retailers fully responsible for the packaging they place on the German market. Businesses must register with the LUCID Packaging Register, participate in an approved recycling system, and report annual packaging volumes by material type. The law, in force since 2019, strengthens Germany’s circular economy by ensuring that packaging waste is financed and managed by those who create it. Non-compliance can lead to fines up to €200,000 or sales bans.