The European Commission has announced the publication schedule for quarterly CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) certificate prices. These prices will be published throughout 2026 and will serve as a key reference for importers preparing for the financial phase of CBAM.
Although the obligation to purchase CBAM certificates will only begin in February 2027, companies importing CBAM-covered goods should already start anticipating the potential cost of future certificates.
CBAM Certificate Price Publication Calendar
The European Commission confirmed that the quarterly reference prices for CBAM certificates will be published according to the following schedule:
1st quarter: 7 April 2026
2nd quarter: 6 July 2026
3rd quarter: 5 October 2026
4th quarter: 4 January 2027
These publications will provide importers with an indication of the expected cost of CBAM certificates, helping them anticipate future compliance costs.
How CBAM Certificate Prices Are Calculated
For each quarter of 2026, the price of CBAM certificates will be calculated based on the quarterly average price of EU ETS allowances (European Union Emissions Trading System). The EU ETS is the European Union’s carbon market, where emission allowances are traded and the carbon price for European industrial producers is determined.
This methodology ensures alignment between the carbon price applied to EU producers under the EU ETS and the price paid by importers under the CBAM system, helping to maintain a consistent carbon pricing framework.
For more information on this subject you can check the offical announcement published by the European Commission: First CBAM Certificate price to be published on 7 April
RM Boulanger can support companies in estimating the potential cost of CBAM certificates for their imports, helping them anticipate and provision these amounts ahead of the purchasing obligations starting in February 2027.
