The aim is to prevent products produced in the EU from being replaced by imports with higher CO2 emissions by introducing a CO2 border adjustment system. This is because the less stringent climate protection measures in many non-EU countries pose the risk of a shift in CO2 emissions. This system is a key component of the ‘Fit for 55’ package. It ensures that imports are subject to the same emission prices as products manufactured within the EU, as the production of CO2-intensive products is often relocated to countries with less stringent climate policies in order to save costs. The CO2 emissions of goods entering the EU will be fairly priced through the CO2 border adjustment system and clean industrial production in non-EU countries will be promoted.
It initially applied to goods whose production is particularly energy-intensive, such as iron and steel, cement or even hydrogen and electricity, as well as products that are upstream or downstream in the value chain. In the future, the scope will be extended to other sectors. The obligation to register CBAM declarants will apply from 1 January 2025. In the transition phase until the end of 2025, it will only be necessary to record the emissions of imported goods from the affected sectors. From 2026, certificates must be purchased for a fee. A Transitional Registry has been developed to support importers in fulfilling their CBAM obligations.