Companies who conduct eligible emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) activities are encouraged to submit an application for a 2023 exemption certificate as part of the Renewable Energy Target (RET).

Applications are open and must be made on or before 30 March 2023. The ‘Apply for an exemption certificate’ form is available in the Client Portal.

Applications made in previous years will not roll over. You must apply annually.

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) does not have discretion to vary the deadline date so don’t delay your submission. Late applications will not be considered.

Providing an audit report

When applying for an exemption certificate this year, please consider whether you need to engage an auditor to prepare an audit report. You will need to allow enough time for this to be completed before the deadline. An audit report is required if your site’s use amount is expected to be 15,000 megawatt hours (MWh) or more for the exemption period and:

  • it is your first application for the site, or
  • it has been 5 years since you lodged an audit report for the site.

Providing a basis of preparation report

We strongly encourage applications to be accompanied with a basis of preparation report. The information provided within this document should detail how the proposed use amount formula was derived. If you have applied for an EITE exemption previously, you must ensure your basis of preparation report is accurate for the year that you are applying for.

See the RET exemption certificate basis of preparation report template for guidance.

Submit a complete and accurate application

Applicants are encouraged to refer to the guidance published on the CER website and review the application before submitting. Incomplete applications will delay the assessment of your exemption certificate.

Information provided to determine the use amount formula and calculation of the certifiable amount is the responsibility of the applicant. Providing false and misleading information and documentation is an offence under sections 137.1 and 137.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

More information

If you have any questions about the RET EITE exemption certificate application process or any other aspect of your EITE activity, please contact the CER on 1300 553 542 or email CER-IndustryAssistanceSchemes@cer.gov.au.

See the information for Emissions-intensive trade-exposed activity entities.