Consumers are clients of carbon industry service providers, and have the right to expect appropriate levels information and engagement from Code Signatories, that allow you to make informed decisions.

Consumers Rights

The Code creates a framework for protecting the rights and interests of consumers and clients.

Due to the complex and rapidly evolving nature of the carbon industry, consumers and clients require protections from risks associated with carbon projects being undertaken particularly where they have legal rights and/or have an eligible interest in the land where a project is being proposed. This includes if you are a landholder, land manager, farmer, Native Title Holder, or another type of consumer.

If you are a client of a Signatory to the Code of Conduct, your rights will be protected more than if you are a client of an organisation that is not a Signatory to the Code.

The Code’s Consumer Rights Framework

The Code creates a framework for protecting the rights and interests of consumers and clients.

If you are a client of a Signatory to the Code of Conduct, your rights will be protected more than if you are a client of an organisation that is not a Signatory to the Code.

  • Clients must be provided with information about:

    • The legal, regulatory or other obligations that the client may have if they enter into an agreement
      with the Signatory;
    • The relevant project method requirements;
    • The administrative and compliance requirements of the project, such as record keeping, audits,
      and eligibility criteria;
    • The options for selling carbon credits;
    • The project timeline;
    • The client’s obligations relating to the land during the project’s permanence period (for landbased projects);
    • The client’s obligations if there is a natural disturbance to the land;
    • The risks and potential consequences of the project; andThe implications if the land where the project is being undertaken is sold.
  • Signatories must also:

    • Disclose to clients any interests or benefits that they may have in the project or sale of credits;
    • Seek to ensure genuine and early engagement with Native Title Holders, and if possible registered
      Native Title Claimants;
    • Provide clients with a written project management plan, and ensure that you understand the plan;
    • Provide clients with a copy of the Code Overview Fact Sheet and of the Signatory’s own complaints handling
      procedure document(s); and
    • Ensure regular contact with landholders, provide regular advice to the client and ensure that any
      issues that arise can be addressed in a timely and efficient way.

Learn more about the Code Framework