Glossary

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

Regulation

Definition

The EU’s CBAM places a carbon price on imports of certain carbon-intensive goods to mirror the EU ETS and prevent carbon leakage. Transitional phase (2023-2025) requires emissions reporting; from 2026 importers must purchase CBAM certificates. Covered sectors include cement, iron & steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen (scope may expand).