Since the creation of the Brazilian Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System (SBCE), Brazil has been structuring the bases for the implementation of the regulated carbon market. In 2026, although, the system began to advance to a more operational stage, with the definition of mechanisms to monitor and record company emissions.
One of the main advances was the proposed schedule for Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of emissions, submitted to public consultation by the Ministry of Finance in July and closed in 28 of August. The proposal establishes a gradual implementation of obligations for different sectors of the economy.
What is MRV?
MRV corresponds to Monitoring, Reporting and Verification and will be one of the bases for the functioning of the SBCE.
In practice, the process involves three steps: track and calculate emissions, report this information in accordance with established rules and subject it to independent verification.
The formation of an official base, consistent and reliable emissions data is fundamental for the development of the other stages of the system, including future definitions on emission limits, allocation of Brazilian Emission Quotas (CBES) and use of Verified Emission Reduction or Removal Certificates (CRVEs).
A gradual implementation
The proposal presented by the Ministry of Finance foresees the gradual entry of sectors into MRV obligations.
From 2027, paper and cellulose are planned, iron and steel in integrated plants, cement, primary aluminum, exploration and production of oil and natural gas, oil refining and air transportation.
Until 2029, enter mining, recycled aluminum, iron and steel in semi-integrated plants, electrical sector, glass, ceramics, food and drinks, chemical industry, solid waste and sewage treatment.
Until 2031, The schedule includes road transport, rail and waterway.
It is important to highlight that the inclusion of a sector in the MRV does not mean, automatically, that it will be subject at that time to issuance limits or the reconciliation of obligations. These parameters will depend on the next steps of SBCE regulation.
What companies need to watch out for?
As the schedule progresses, preparation is no longer just a matter of keeping up with new standards. Companies need to start evaluating the quality of the information they have about their own emissions.
The greenhouse gas inventory (GEE) gains importance in this process as it allows the identification of emission sources, organize data and establish calculation methodologies.
Adequate preparation may involve:
- identification of the main emission sources;
- organization and traceability of data;
- definition of calculation methodologies;
- assessment of the quality of available information;
- structuring processes for future verifications.
In this way, the inventory can act as a basis for the company to understand its exposure to future obligations and identify any gaps before actually entering the applicable schedule.
What remains to be defined?
Despite advances in 2026, SBCE regulation is still under construction.
Among the points that depend on subsequent definitions are the details of the activities, facilities, sources and gases covered, specific methodologies for different sectors, criteria for independent verification bodies and rules related to CRVEs.
The SBCE Central Registry is also being developed to gather information related to the system's emissions and environmental assets. The Extraordinary Secretariat of the Carbon Market (SEMC) is responsible, among other duties, for implementing the system, definition of MRV standards and development of this infrastructure.
An agenda that also advances internationally
In September, Brazil advanced in international cooperation through the Open Coalition for Regulated Carbon Markets, which brings together countries such as China and members of the European Union.
In a meeting held in Wuhan, and China, a work plan for the coalition was approved, which includes themes such as MRV, carbon accounting and convergence between different regulated markets.
This movement expands the discussion on compatibility between methodologies and systems for measuring emissions in different markets.
Preparation starts before obligation
SBCE still depends on important regulations, but advances in 2026 already offer a clearer indication of next steps.
For companies, following the schedule and structuring reliable information about your emissions can reduce uncertainties and facilitate adaptation to future obligations.
In this case, Knowing your own emissions is no longer just an environmental initiative and becomes part of business preparation for a new regulatory structure.
How biO3 can support
Preparing for this new scenario requires data organization, technical knowledge and ability to transform environmental information into management tools.
biO3 Consultoria supports organizations in initiatives related to:
- greenhouse gas emissions inventories;
- organization and analysis of environmental data;
- ESG and climate strategies;
- preparing for regulatory requirements;
- decarbonization projects.
With SBCE moving towards its implementation stage, structuring this information now can be an important step for companies to be prepared for the next phases of the regulated carbon market.
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