CBAM
Importers of steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizer, and hydrogen pay a CO₂ price on their goods. Compliance is mandatory — we are happy to help you get started.
What is CBAM?
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is European legislation stipulating that importers of certain raw materials and products must pay for the CO₂ emissions released during production. This applies even if that production took place outside the EU.
This ensures a level playing field between European producers (who already pay CO₂ costs through the EU Emissions Trading System) and producers outside the EU. For you as an importer, this means obligations and new costs. And if you do not address it in time, it also means new risks.
In its first phase, CBAM applies to: steel & iron, aluminum, cement, fertilizer, hydrogen, and electricity. The EU is working on expanding this to more product categories.
What is expected of you?
As an importer of CBAM goods, you have four specific obligations:
- Registration
You must be registered as an Authorized CBAM declarant. Without registration, the import of CBAM goods is not permitted.Are you unsure if this applies to you? We can advise you on this free of charge. - Emissions reporting
You report the embedded CO₂ emissions of your imported goods to the competent authority every quarter. - CBAM certificates
You purchase certificates based on the amount of CO₂ in your goods. The price varies by product type (HS code) and by period: in 2026, the average quarterly ETS price will be used, and from 2027, the average weekly price. Additionally, the price depends heavily on whether your suppliers work with default or actual emissions values. - Annual CBAM declaration
Every year, you submit a full CBAM declaration with an overview of all imported goods and corresponding emissions.
What are the risks if you do nothing?
CBAM is not a regulation that you can postpone. Companies that do not take action in time face the following risks:
-
High fines
In the event of an incorrect or missing declaration, penalties amount to up to three times the missed certificate price. This can add up to tens of thousands of euros per quarter. -
Import blockade
Without valid registration as an Authorized CBAM declarant and the required certificates, the import of CBAM goods is not permitted. -
Unnecessary additional costs
Do you work with default emissions values instead of actual supplier data? Then you will structurally pay too much for certificates. Correct data = lower costs. -
Competitive disadvantage
Companies that optimize their CBAM process have lower compliance costs and a stronger purchasing position. The sooner you act, the greater your advantage.
Fully supported by our CBAM specialist
As your freight forwarder, we know your import flows. For CBAM compliance, we collaborate with a specialized partner who possesses a professional, proven CBAM tool. You do not need to become a CBAM expert yourself. We will put you in touch with the right party to handle everything for you.
Emissions Calculation
Automatic calculation of direct and indirect CO₂ emissions per product, according to the official EU method. More accurate than default values, thus cheaper in certificate costs.
Declaration Proposals
The tool generates ready-to-use CBAM declarations that comply with the most recent European guidelines. Ready for direct submission to Customs.
Certificate Management
Insight into the required certificates per quarter, including advice on the best purchasing moments. No tied-up working capital, no shortages.
Supplier Portal
Easily collect emissions data from your suppliers via a structured online environment. Less manual work, fewer errors.
Forecasting
Forward-looking models based on your import planning and current ETS price developments. This way, you will never be surprised by sudden costs again.
Live Dashboard
Real-time overview of your CBAM position, costs, deadlines, and compliance status. You are always in control, at any moment.
How do you bid on a project if the CBAM price is different tomorrow?
One of the most urgent questions we hear from importers: “We need to issue a quote or bid on a tender today. But the CBAM costs we need to include are uncertain. The ETS price fluctuates. How do you account for that?”
It is a real problem. A project you win today might not be executed for another eight months. The CO₂ price you calculated with may be significantly higher (or lower) by then. If you calculate too cautiously, you miss the contract. If you calculate too optimistically, it costs you your margin.
This is not a theoretical risk
Do you regularly issue quotes or participate in tenders with a longer lead time? Then this difference can amount to thousands of euros per project. And it structurally undermines your competitive position.
We have an approach that specifically solves this issue. Not with a rule of thumb or an assumption, but with a structured method that allows you to bid with confidence. Even in a market where the CBAM price moves.
Curious how? Contact us, and we will explain it to you personally.
Do you want to know what CBAM means for your situation?
Please contact us. We will schedule a non-binding consultation and put you directly in touch with our CBAM specialist. We help you retrieve actual emissions values from your suppliers. This results in immediate, demonstrable cost savings. We also advise you on verification options for your suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBAM also apply to me if I import small quantities?
CBAM applies to all importers of the designated goods, regardless of the quantity. There is no minimum threshold. However, there is a simplified procedure for incidental importers.
What does a CBAM certificate cost?
The price is not straightforward: in 2026, the average quarterly ETS price will be used, and from 2027, the average weekly price. The price also differs per product type (HS code) and depends on whether your suppliers work with default or actual emissions values. With good forecasting and actual supplier data, you keep costs as low as possible.
Do my suppliers also need to do something?
Yes. You need emissions data from your suppliers to calculate how much CO₂ is embedded in your goods. If your suppliers do not provide this data, you will fall back on (more expensive) default values.
Can I handle this myself without an external tool?
In theory, that is possible, but in practice, it is time-consuming and prone to error. For CBAM, you need knowledge of EU emissions methods, CN codes, ETS prices, and supplier data. We put you in touch with the right specialist and help you specifically with supplier data and verification. Those are the two largest cost items that you can directly influence yourself.
How quickly can I start?
After an initial conversation, we determine together which steps are most urgent for your situation. The sooner you collect actual emissions values from your suppliers, the faster you save on certificate costs.
Do you want to know what CBAM means for your situation?
Please contact us. We will schedule a non-binding consultation and put you directly in touch with our CBAM specialist. We help you retrieve actual emissions values from your suppliers. This results in immediate, demonstrable cost savings. We also advise you on verification options for your suppliers.