How to Get Article 6 Authorization and a Corresponding Adjustment

Who this page is for. Project developers and sponsors seeking host-country authorization and a corresponding adjustment so credits can be used internationally without double counting. Not legal or tax advice. Processes vary by country and program. All work subject to diligence, KYC/AML/sanctions, and documentation.

How to Get Article 6 Authorization and a Corresponding Adjustment

If a buyer needs sovereign sign off, you will secure a Letter of Authorization from the host country and a Corresponding Adjustment to the national accounts. This page lays out the decision path, the documents you prepare, who to speak to, how to track approvals, and how to reflect all of it in your ERPA and registry flows.

Paths: A6.2 cooperative approaches • A6.4 UN mechanism Units: ITMOs • A6.4ERs • program credits tagged for Article 6 use Use cases: corporate claims • CORSIA • government buys

Outputs: authorization pack • NDC memo • ERPA A6 clauses • registry tagging plan

1) What Authorization and Corresponding Adjustment Mean

  • Authorization a formal letter from the host country approving the activity, the use purpose, and the parties involved.
  • Corresponding Adjustment an adjustment to the host country’s accounts so the same mitigation is not counted twice.
  • Scope and purpose define if the use is for CORSIA, other international mitigation purposes, or another category set by the host.
  • Validity state the years, the volume range, and the revocation grounds if any.

2) Pick the Right Path: A6.2 vs A6.4

Item A6.2 cooperative approach A6.4 UN mechanism
Who runs it Host country with bilateral or plurilateral partners UN mechanism with host authorization
Unit type ITMOs as defined by the countries involved A6.4ERs once issued by the mechanism
Speed and control Faster where the host has clear rules More standardized but more steps
When developers use it For near term deals with a clear bilateral track Where buyers require the UN route or market design prefers it

3) Who to Contact and How to Engage

  • Identify the national Article 6 focal point or the ministry unit handling climate cooperation.
  • Request a pre application meeting and ask for current forms, fee schedules, and review timelines.
  • Confirm if your activity is inside the NDC and whether the host allows authorization for your use case.
  • Clarify technical committees and who signs the final letter.

4) Build the Authorization Pack

Section What to include
Project summary Activities, location, boundary files, expected volume by year
NDC alignment memo Which targets are affected, why a CA is requested, mitigation beyond NDC where relevant
Safeguards and community FPIC records, grievance mechanism, benefit sharing terms
MRV and integrity Chosen standard, methodology, data controls, VVB plan
Use purpose CORSIA, government use, or other international claims with buyer names
Volumes and years Requested authorization window and caps
Tracking How serials will be tagged, transferred, and reported

5) Timeline and Decision Points

Stage Indicative duration Output
Pre application meeting 1 to 2 weeks Confirm requirements, forms, and fees
Submission 1 week Authorization pack filed and fees paid
Technical review 3 to 6 weeks Queries on NDC mapping, MRV, safeguards
Legal clearance and sign off 2 to 4 weeks Final Letter of Authorization issued
Tracking and reporting setup 1 to 2 weeks Serial tagging and reporting channels confirmed

If the country requires a bilateral agreement, add time for government to government steps.

6) Registry and Tracking Mechanics

  • Record the authorization reference on all issuance, transfer, and retirement documents.
  • Use sub accounts or tagged batches to separate authorized units from other stock.
  • For A6.2, follow the host’s instructions for ITMO creation and transfers.
  • For A6.4, follow the mechanism’s process when available and mirror data in your program registry.
  • Maintain a ledger that ties project IDs, vintages, serial ranges, and authorization references.

7) ERPA Language That Protects You

  • Conditions precedent authorization letter and CA confirmed before funding or delivery.
  • Price steps clear price with and without CA, and the trigger for the step up.
  • Use purpose allowed uses stated, with remedies if the buyer changes purpose.
  • Delay risk cure periods and replacement rules if government timelines slip.
  • Change in law re opener clause to adjust terms if host rules change.

8) Country Readiness Checklist

  • Named Article 6 focal point and public guidance.
  • Fee schedule and standard forms for authorization.
  • Committee process and signatory identified.
  • Policy on purpose categories and private sector eligibility.
  • Procedures for serial tagging and reporting.
  • Bilateral templates or treaties if required.

9) Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Marketing “authorized” status before the letter is issued.
  • Mismatching the authorized purpose with what the buyer plans to claim.
  • No plan for serial control, which creates double counting risk.
  • Ignoring community and safeguards in the pack. Governments check this.
  • Missing a change in law clause in your ERPA.

FAQs

Do I need Article 6 for every deal

No. If the buyer’s claims stay within voluntary categories that do not require authorization, you can sell without it. Some buyers and programs still request it for policy certainty.

Can a project be authorized after registration

Yes if the host allows it. Expect extra review on vintage years and use purpose.

What if the country does not have a process yet

Park Article 6 in the ERPA as a condition with a timeline and fallbacks. Do not promise what you cannot deliver.

Need an authorization pack that gets a yes and clean Article 6 terms in your ERPA

Request a Proposal Book a Consultation

Disclaimers

  • We advise and arrange. We are not your lawyer or tax advisor.
  • Host-country procedures and UN rules evolve. Confirm current requirements before filing.
  • Final outcomes depend on diligence and documentation quality.