The Safeguard Mechanism applies to Australia’s largest industrial emitters — facilities with covered Scope 1 emissions above 100,000 tonnes CO₂-e per year. Each facility has a declining baseline, and where emissions exceed that baseline the responsible entity must surrender Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) or Safeguard Mechanism Credits (SMCs) to bring its net position back under the baseline.
The surrender deadline falls on 31 March, after the NGER data for the prior financial year has been reported and reconciled. Facilities can manage their position through emissions reductions, multi-year monitoring periods, borrowing, or purchasing units — the cost of which depends on the prevailing ACCU and SMC market.
Responsible emitters for designated large facilities — those with more than 100,000 tonnes CO₂-e of covered Scope 1 emissions in a financial year.
31 March each year, covering the prior financial year (ending 30 June). It follows the 31 October NGER reporting deadline.
ACCUs or Safeguard Mechanism Credits sufficient to cover emissions above the facility’s baseline. A facility at or below its baseline has nothing to surrender and may earn SMCs.
Facilities with covered Scope 1 emissions above 100,000 tonnes CO₂-e per year, across sectors such as mining, manufacturing, oil and gas, and transport.
Not sure whether this deadline applies to you? Run the free classifier to see your AASB S2, NGER and Safeguard position, then track every deadline automatically.
Source: cleanenergyregulator.gov.au · Verified 2026-05-07. Indicative only — not legal or accounting advice.