If Verra finds a project was issued too many Verified Carbon Units, how must the project owner replace them?

The project proponent has to replace them. Within 15 days of Verra's notice it names the method, and within 90 days it cancels project units it holds or other Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) it owns. Until all excess is replaced the project is inactivated (6.4.9); once it is replaced the project is reinstated (6.4.8).

When the duty arises

Section 6.4.5 puts it on the project proponent, and on an authorised representative that has agreed to take on all of a proponent's rights and responsibilities, where there is a material erroneous issuance of VCUs caused by, among other things, a mistake of the proponent, as set out further in the issuance representation. The other causes listed are fraudulent conduct, negligence, intentional act, recklessness and misrepresentation.

The three ways to replace (6.4.6)

The proponent may use one or a combination. It shall tell Verra which method it has chosen within 15 days of the notice (6.4.7).

1. Within 90 days of Verra's notice, cancel active VCUs from the project that the proponent holds.
2. Within 90 days of the notice, cancel any other VCUs the proponent owns or has bought.
3. Under limited circumstances and under a legal agreement between Verra and the proponent, cancel VCUs from later issuances to the project.

What happens to the project meanwhile

• Verra notifies the proponent and cancels the project's excess buffer contributions, for projects that have them (6.4.4).
• Once all excess issuance is replaced, the project is reinstated and buffer contributions come off hold (6.4.8).
• If excess issuance remains, the project is inactivated until it is replaced. Verra may take further action, including rejecting the project and sanctioning the registry account holder (6.4.9).

Why a developer should read this before signing a sale

If you have sold every unit, the first two routes may have little to cancel. Route 2 reaches any VCUs you own, from any project, and route 3 reaches future issuances only under a legal agreement. Keep a reserve of units or agree with your buyer how a replacement would be shared. This is our advice, not a Verra rule.

Example with simple numbers

• Verra finds 1,200 VCUs were issued where 1,000 were correct: excess = 1,200 less 1,000 = 200.
• The proponent still holds 150 active VCUs from the project: cancel 150, leaving 200 less 150 = 50.
• The other 50 come from other VCUs it owns.
• Notice on 10 June: method named by 25 June (15 days), cancellations done by 8 September (90 days).

Numbers and dates are an example.

What Senseible does here

Senseible is not part of Verra's process. Its in-house check is not an accredited third-party verification.

• Quality control review: what freezes
• How long Verra can ask for compensation
• How much of my credits go to the buffer pool
• Carbon credits

Sources: Verra, VCS Registration and Issuance Process v5.0 (16 December 2025)

Last reviewed 2026-11-05. Check the current VCS Standard, Registration and Issuance Process and Program Guide on Verra's site before you rely on this; Verra updates them periodically.