CORSIA — Frequently Asked Questions

The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a global market-based measure developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to address CO₂ emissions from international aviation. Eligible aircraft operators must monitor, report, verify, and, where applicable, offset emissions from qualifying international flights.

CORSIA applies to aircraft operators conducting eligible international flights. Operators generally fall within the Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) requirements if they operate aircraft with a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) above 5,700 kg and emit more than 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually from international flights. Both commercial and non-commercial operators may have reporting obligations depending on their operations.

CORSIA applies only to eligible international flights between States participating in the scheme. Domestic flights are not covered by CORSIA but may be subject to national or regional emissions schemes such as the EU ETS.

Aircraft operators must establish an approved Emissions Monitoring Plan, monitor fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, maintain operational records, submit an annual verified Emissions Report, and, where applicable, purchase and cancel eligible carbon offsets.

• Develop and maintain an approved Emissions Monitoring Plan (EMP).
• Monitor fuel consumption and calculate annual CO₂ emissions.
• Maintain accurate operational and fuel records.
• Submit an annual Emissions Report.
• Obtain independent third-party verification.
• Purchase and cancel eligible carbon offsets when offsetting obligations apply.

An Emissions Monitoring Plan (EMP) describes how an aircraft operator monitors fuel consumption, calculates CO₂ emissions, manages data quality, and prepares emissions reports under CORSIA. The plan must be approved by the administering authority before monitoring begins and updated whenever significant operational changes occur.

Most administering authorities require verified Annual Emissions Reports to be submitted by 30 April following the reporting year, although deadlines may vary by State.

• Submit the verified Annual Emissions Report.
• Complete any applicable carbon offsetting obligations.
• Maintain supporting records and documentation.

Before submission, Annual Emissions Reports must be independently verified by an accredited verification body. The verifier confirms that reported emissions comply with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and applicable national regulations.

Failure to comply may result in enforcement action by the administering authority, corrective action requirements, financial penalties where applicable, increased regulatory oversight, and reputational risks.

• Regulatory enforcement actions.
• Financial penalties where applicable.
• Corrective action requirements.
• Increased regulatory oversight.
• Reputational risks.

No. CORSIA applies only to eligible international flights between participating States. Domestic flights remain outside the scope of CORSIA but may be regulated under national or regional emissions schemes.

Although both schemes regulate aviation emissions, CORSIA is a global ICAO framework based primarily on carbon offsetting, while the EU ETS is a regional cap-and-trade system based on emission allowances. Many international aircraft operators are required to comply with both schemes.

• Geographic scope.
• Regulatory framework.
• Compliance obligations.
• Carbon offset versus allowance mechanisms.
• Reporting authorities.
• Applicability criteria.

Where offsetting obligations apply, aircraft operators must purchase and cancel eligible carbon credits from ICAO-approved programmes. Only emissions units that satisfy ICAO eligibility criteria can be used for compliance.

Yes. Emissence provides end-to-end CORSIA compliance support, from applicability assessments and Monitoring Plan development to emissions reporting, verification readiness, regulatory interpretation, and ongoing compliance assistance.

• CORSIA applicability assessments.
• Emissions Monitoring Plan (EMP) development and updates.
• Annual CO₂ emissions calculations.
• Fuel data validation.
• Data quality reviews.
• Verification readiness.
• Technical documentation support.
• Regulatory interpretation.
• Ongoing compliance support.