The European Commission has announced the first quarterly carbon price for imported goods under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The rate for one ton of CO2 equivalent has been set at €75.36.
This is reported by Finway
“The EU emphasizes that the price of CBAM certificates corresponds to the average value of allowances within the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). This approach helps maintain a fair balance between emissions payments for domestic producers and importers supplying goods to the European market.”
Calculation and Duration of the First Price
The value of CBAM certificates is based on the average clearing prices from auctions for allowances in the EU ETS. The established price will apply to all imports with a carbon footprint entering the EU from January to March 2026. The mechanism aims to ensure a level playing field for European producers and importers, encouraging a reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions.
Regularity of Price Publication and Covered Sectors
Throughout 2026, new quarterly carbon prices will be published on the following dates:
- Q2 – July 6;
- Q3 – October 5;
- Q4 – January 4, 2027.
Starting in 2027, the European Commission plans to publish the updated price for CBAM certificates weekly.
CBAM is a carbon tariff mechanism introduced for importers bringing goods into the EU from January 1, 2026. It covers several sectors, including metallurgy, cement production, fertilizer manufacturing, and hydrogen production. Importers will need to undergo a special declaration procedure, and the amount of the emissions payment will be determined by the carbon certificate price according to the production metrics of each product.