Regulation (EU) 2023/956
CBAM, the carbon border adjustment mechanism
In short
CBAM puts a carbon price on imports of certain carbon-intensive goods: iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen. During the transitional phase importers report embedded emissions; in the definitive phase they surrender certificates.
Updated 18 August 2026 · Last reviewed 18 August 2026 · M. Homola, Founder, customs agent
The trap
Many importers assume CBAM is about steel coils. It also catches ordinary finished articles made of iron, steel or aluminium: brackets, fasteners, frames, screws. Check the code, not the product category.
This is general information, not advice for a specific shipment. Rules change; check the official source or ask us about your consignment.