Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

Importing companies must declare the carbon emissions associated with their products. The carbon price to be paid is based on the carbon price in the EU Emissions Trading System. EU importers will be required to purchase certificates equivalent to the carbon price they would pay if the products were manufactured to EU standards.

As of January 1, 2026, EU importers must declare the quantity of imported goods and their associated greenhouse gas emissions. Subsequently, they will deliver the corresponding number of CBAM certificates acquired. The price of these certificates will be based on the price of CO2 emission rights.

1. The products affected by the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will initially be those related to sectors with high emission intensity such as: cement, iron and steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity and hydrogen.
2. Carbon pricing: Importing companies must declare the carbon emissions associated with their products. The carbon price to be paid is based on the carbon price in the EU Emissions Trading System.

3. Objective: CBAM aims to level the playing field between EU companies that already pay a carbon price for their emissions and non-EU companies that do not. In this way, clean production is encouraged both inside and outside the EU.

1. Small businesses: Micro-enterprises (less than 10 employees and an annual turnover of less than 2 million euros) and small businesses (less than 50 employees and an annual turnover of less than 10 million euros) are exempt from CBAM during the first three years of implementation (2026-2028).
2. Low-carbon products: Some products with low carbon emissions, such as certain types of fertilizers and chemicals, are exempt from CBAM.

4. Essential products: Certain essential products, such as food and medicine, are exempt from CBAM.
5. Temporary imports: Temporary imports of products covered by the CBAM are exempt, provided they are re-exported within a specified period.