EU regulationen
CBAM certificates
Certificates that EU importers must purchase to cover the carbon emissions embedded in certain imported products (steel, aluminium, cement, etc.).
CBAM certificates are at the core of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Each certificate represents one tonne of CO2 equivalent and its price is indexed to the weekly average price of EU ETS allowances.
Authorised declarants (importers) must purchase and surrender CBAM certificates corresponding to the embedded emissions in imported products. The sectors covered (initial phase) are:
- Iron and steel
- Aluminium
- Cement
- Fertilisers
- Electricity
- Hydrogen
Implementation timeline:
- 2023-2025: transitional phase (mandatory reporting, no certificate purchases)
- 2026-2034: definitive phase with progressive certificate purchases, parallel to reduction of free EU ETS allowances
- 2034: full application, end of free allowances
Emissions already subject to a carbon price in the country of origin are deductible, avoiding double taxation. Importers must declare actual emissions or use default values.