Important NZ ETS compliance deadline 31 March 2020

27 March 2020

​We appreciate businesses are likely focused on responding to pressing issues resulting from COVID-19. However, some of those businesses also have a looming NZ ETS compliance deadline of 31 March 2020 – this coming Tuesday.​

In accordance with the requirements of the Climate Change Response Act 2002, any person carrying out a Schedule 3 mandatory activity, or a Schedule 4 voluntary activity that report on a quarterly basis (excluding post-1989 forestry activities) is required to submit an emissions return reporting on their 2019 activity by 31 March 2020. ​

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has just announced, participants can request a 20 working day extension to this deadline, but such requests must be made by the participant (and received by the EPA) by the end of Tuesday 31 March 2020. The EPA has stated participants can apply for an extension by logging into the New Zeal​​​and Emissions Trading Scheme Register, or by emailing emissionstrading@epa.govt.nz.

Getting in touch with the EPA​

The EPA call centre has been diverted to deal with COVID-related calls. However, it has provided contact details to enable participants to reach EPA staff directly if you have any queries.

EPA contacts will be available between 9.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday, and will do their best to answer your calls as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions about the matters raised in this article please get in touch with the contacts listed or your usual Bell Gully advise​r.


Disclaimer: This publication is necessarily brief and general in nature. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt with in this publication.