CBAM,
How does it work?

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is designed to harmonise carbon costs between imported and domestically produced goods within the EU. As of now, this mechanism consists of submitting, on a quartely basis, CBAM reports to the EU Commission and, starting in 2026, payments will be required in the form of CBAM certificates. If importers wish to continue to trade within the E.U., it is essential for them to comply with this new regulation.

What is the timeline?

Transitional phase

2023-2025

Identifying the type & quantity 

of goods affected 

Gathering, compilation, and verification of CO2 emission values.

Definitive phase

From 2026 onwards

"Authorised CBAM declarant" Accredition

As of January 1, 2026, only authorised declarants can import CBAM goods into the EU.

Payments under the form of CBAM certificates

CBAM Declarants are financially accountable and need to purchase and submit the required CBAM certificates related to the CO2 emissions filed.


Annualy filing 

The CBAM reporting period shifts from quarterly filings to an annual filing.

Certification of CO2 values by an accredited verifier​

CBAM declarants will need to ensure that their CO2 emission values are validated by an accredited verifier

Obtaining CBAM certificates related to expected CO2 emissions​

It will be necessary to have CBAM certificates in advance equivalent to the CO2 emissions of the products intended to be imported in the following year​

Minimum stock of CBAM certificates ​

At the end of each quarter, declarants must maintain a minimum stock of CBAM certificates​

Reporting steps

Identifying the 
products affected
 by CBAM

Engaging with
 your suppliers to gather CO2 emission values

Preparing the CBAM report
with the help of the
CBAM Navigator

Submission of
the CBAM report onto the official EU portal

1/ Identifying the CBAM goods

In order to know if your goods are concerned by the CBAM you need to be aware of the origin of the product and its HS code.
 Each good is assigned a unique HS code based on its characteristics. This code helps determine if a good falls under the CBAM category and, therefore, if it's subject to the carbon emissions reporting and future levy.

Check if your products are concerned 

2/ Engaging with your suppliers

For the filing of your CBAM report, you will need to declare the amount of CO2 emitted by the production of the concerned raw materials. 

In order to obtain this information you will most likely have to contact your supplier/ the producer so that they can provide you with this data.
For the first three CBAM reports default values published by the EU commission were accepted but since July 2024 actual CO2 values are required. 

Obtaining accurate CO2 emission values from your suppliers can be a complex task. 

3/ Preparing for the report 

The first step to submitting the MACF report is to register on the European Commission platform. Once access is granted, you can manually complete your report by providing the required information.

However, this option requires a solid understanding of the subject and proficiency with the platform, which can be very technical and complex.

This is where RM Boulanger comes in. With the help of our CBAM Navigator, we take care of the entire process for you. Not only do we create the complete report and deliver the required XML file, but we also handle its submission on the official platform, ensuring you peace of mind and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Declarants must prepare and submit a separate declaration for each country concerned.


​​

4/ Submitting the report

Since the beginning of the CBAM transitional in Ocotber 2023, the reports must be submitted quarterly to the European administrative authorities via the. From July 2024 onwards, accurate values of CO2 emissions are required in the reports.

RM Boulanger is able to assist with your CBAM obligations thanks to our reliable and automated tool called the:



Are you an importer...



HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY

Do you have questions about how RMB can help with CBAM? Send us an email and we’ll get 
in touch with you shortly, our experts are always happy to help. You can also contact us by 
phone: +33 3 20 25 70 70.




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CONTACTEZ-NOUS AUJOURD'HUI

Vous avez des questions sur la manière dont RMB peut aider votre entreprise avec le MACF ? 
Envoyez-nous un courriel et nous vous contacterons rapidement. 
Nos experts en sont toujours heureux de vous aider. Vous pouvez également nous contacter par 
téléphone : +33 3 20 25 70 70.




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