Unit types

There are different unit types in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Common to all unit types is that one allowance corresponds to the emission of one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Some unit types can only be held in accounts in the EU Emissions Trading System, while others can be held only in accounts under the Kyoto Protocol. Some unit types can be held in both registries.

European allowance that can only be held in accounts in the EU ETS. The unit is allocated free of charge to operators, surrendered for compliance and included in auctions. During the fourth ETS phase, EUAs can be used for surrender by all types of operators.

European allowance that can only be held in accounts in the EU ETS. The unit is allocated free of charge to aircraft operators, surrendered for compliance and included in auctions. During the fourth ETS phase, EUAs can be used for surrender by all types of operators.

Allowance allocated to operators in the Swiss emissions trading system. They can also be used for surrender by all operators in the EU ETS.

Allowance allocated to aircraft operators in the Swiss emissions trading system. They can also be used for surrender by all operators in the EU ETS.

Allowance that can be held in Regulated entity holding account for surrender and trading in the Union Registry. The allowance can be used for compliance by operators under the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS2) and may be held in Trading accounts.

Account type

EUA

EUAA

CHU

CHUA

ETS2

Operator holding account

Yes

Aircraft operator holding account

Yes

Maritime operator holding account

Yes

Regulated entity holding account

Yes

Trading account

Yes

Unit types

European Union Allowance (EUA)

European Union Aviation Allowance (EUAA)

Swiss General Unit Allowance (CHU)

Swiss General Unit Allowance (CHUA)

Emission Allowance For Regulated Entities (ETS2)