Issuance
The point at which a registry creates carbon credits in a project's account following verification, each carrying a unique serial number. Only issued credits can be transferred or retired.
Why issuance matters for carbon credit buyers
Issuance is the moment a verified climate outcome becomes a tradable, retirable unit, and it is the dividing line between spot credits and forward purchases. The serial number attached at issuance identifies the project, vintage, and quantity, and follows the credit through every transfer until retirement, which is what makes double counting detectable. Issuance can lag verification by weeks or months, so a project described as verified may not yet have credits available to deliver. Confirming issuance status and serial number ranges before agreeing delivery dates avoids a common contracting problem.