Karbon
EU · Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

Is your import CBAM-ready?

Since 1 January 2026, only Authorised CBAM Declarants may import iron & steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity or hydrogen into the EU — the definitive regime is in force. Importers below 50 tonnes a year are exempt. Karbon checks your status in 60 seconds.

Check my status Understand the mechanism
Definitive regime in force (01.01.2026) Annual declaration: 31.05.2027 De minimis: 50 t/year
The mechanism

Three obligations, one calendar

Under Regulation (EU) 2023/956, importers of high-emission goods pay for embedded emissions through CBAM certificates — aligned with the EU ETS carbon price. The transitional period (2023–2025) is over; the definitive regime is operational.

since 01.01.2026

Definitive regime

Only Authorised CBAM Declarants may import CBAM goods into the EU. In force — ~7 months.

In force
30.09.2027

First certificate surrender

Certificates covering the declared emissions must be surrendered — ~13,5 months away.

Later
de minimis

Small importers exempt

Importers below 50 tonnes of CBAM goods per year are exempt from authorisation, declarations and certificates.

Exemption
Status check

3 questions, your certificate stamped

Everything runs in your browser. No data leaves your device, no account needed.

Question 1 of 3

Do you import CBAM goods into the EU from outside the EU?

Question 2 of 3

Do you import more than 50 tonnes of CBAM goods per calendar year?

Question 3 of 3

Are you already an Authorised CBAM Declarant?

How it works

From question to stamped certificate

1

Answer 3 questions

Goods, volumes, declarant status. Karbon maps your case against Regulation (EU) 2023/956 and its definitive-phase obligations.

2

Get your certificate stamp

The stamp shows your position: in force (01.01.2026), annual declaration (31.05.2027) or first surrender (30.09.2027) — with your countdown.

3

Work the checklist

Identify Annex I CN codes, apply for declarant status (AMM Portal), collect verified emissions, declare by 31 May and surrender certificates.

Pricing

Check for free. Print your certificate for 11 $.

Free

0 $
  • Your CBAM status (in scope / de minimis / not in scope)
  • Your next obligation with countdown
  • Checklist: authorisation, emissions data, declaration
  • Links to official sources
  • Printable certificate stamp (PDF)
  • Text for your customs broker
Check for free
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Pro

11 $ one-time
  • Everything in Free
  • Printable certificate stamp (PDF)
  • Plain-language text for your customs broker
  • Step-by-step declarant application guide (AMM)
  • Permanent unlock

One-time payment in USDT/USDC. Permanent unlock. Price in USD; taxes per your country at checkout.

FAQ

What importers are asking right now

Is CBAM already in force?
Yes — the definitive regime applies since 1 January 2026 under Regulation (EU) 2023/956. The transitional reporting period (2023–2025) has ended; since 2026 only Authorised CBAM Declarants may import CBAM goods into the EU. [1][2][3]
Which goods are covered?
Six high-emission sectors, defined by CN codes in Annex I of the Regulation: iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen — released for free circulation in the EU. [1][2]
Do I need authorisation?
Yes, if you're above the threshold. From 2026, CBAM goods can only be imported by Authorised CBAM Declarants — you must apply through the CBAM AMM Portal before your first import. Importing without authorisation can cost €300–500 per tonne. [2][4]
What must I report and pay?
Declarants submit an annual CBAM declaration by 31 May for the previous calendar year (verified embedded emissions, direct and indirect), then surrender certificates for those emissions. Certificate price tracks the weekly EU ETS auction average. [1][2]
Are small importers exempt?
Yes. Importers of less than 50 tonnes of CBAM goods per year benefit from the de minimis exemption: no authorisation, no annual declaration, no certificate surrender. If you exceed 50 tonnes, the obligations start. [2][5]
What if I don't have verified emissions data?
Default values apply where verified data is unavailable — and they can increase your certificate liability. Getting emissions verified by accredited bodies keeps your CBAM cost closer to reality. [2]
Does Karbon connect to my systems?
No. You answer 3 questions and everything is computed in your browser. No data is sent to any server and nothing is connected to your accounts.
Sources

Where the data comes from

Every claim links to its source. Verified on 13 August 2026.

1
European Commission — Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)Primary source: definitive regime from 1 January 2026, authorisation, reporting and certificate obligations under Regulation (EU) 2023/956.
2
Carbon Complete — CBAM 2026: Compliance & Reporting GuideDefinitive regime operational: covered sectors, Authorised CBAM Declarant requirement (AMM Portal), annual declaration by 31 May, certificate surrender, 50-tonne de minimis threshold, default values.
3
One Click LCA — CBAM: A guideFirst surrender of CBAM certificates in 2027 covering 2026 emissions, due by 30 September 2027; certificate pricing linked to EU ETS.
4
CBAM Guide — Penalties under the definitive regime (Apr 2026)€100 per tonne of unreported or uncovered emissions for authorised declarants; €300–500 per tonne for unauthorised importers.
5
ICAP — EU adopts CBAM simplifications ahead of the compliance phase (Oct 2025)The 2025 simplification package: de minimis threshold and eased certificate holding requirements entering the definitive phase.

Find out whether your imports must already carry a CBAM certificate.

Check your case and get your certificate stamp in one minute. Free, no account — nothing leaves your device.

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