The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is part of the European climate regulation. It was designed to prevent the relocation of emissions-intensive production to countries with less stringent climate policies (carbon leakage).
If your company imports goods covered by CBAM, you will need to purchase CBAM certificates equivalent to the embedded CO₂ emissions of those products to comply. The CBAM certificate cost is directly linked to the EU carbon price and will impact your procurement decisions, supplier choices, and supply chain strategy.
Understanding and managing this exposure is essential for your competitiveness.
Reporting (R): Quantities of goods, emissions and any carbon price paid abroad.
Buying (B): CBAM certificates for each tCO₂ embedded in the imported goods.
Declare (D): Previous year’s emissions to the competent authority.
Surrendering (S): Certificates to the competent authority.
2023–2025
(R): Quarterly
(B): Not required
(S): Not required
2026
(R): Quarterly
(D): Full 2026 emissions
(S): 2.5% of 2026 emissions (31 May)
2027
(R): Quarterly
(B): Not required
(S): Not required
2028 …
(31 May)
(D): Previous year’s emissions
(S): Certificates for the corresponding percentage each year
Importers will gradually have to cover the embedded emissions of their goods with CBAM certificates, from 2.5% emissions in 2026 to 100% emissions in 2034.
Whether you are planning ahead or ready to act, ECM offers smart, market-based solutions.
CBAM certificates aren’t available yet, but their price will follow the EU ETS. ECM enables you to hedge future CBAM exposure now by using EUA forwards and options.
Not hedging yet? We provide expert guidance to help you track EUA price trends and plan when to buy CBAM certificates from 2027 onwards.