Which products and countries are affected by CBAM?
📋 Direct Answer
[Unverified] Figures may be out of date. Queued 2026-08-21 (uvq-cbam-who-affected-en-F0-01). Check the official page: https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_en. Public compilation, not tax advice.
Check the official page[Unverified] Figures may be out of date. Queued 2026-08-21 (uvq-cbam-who-affected-en-F0-03). Check the official page: https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_en. Public compilation, not tax advice.
Check the official pageCBAM currently covers 6 product categories: cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity, and hydrogen. These are defined by specific TARIC codes (Chapter 25-72 and selected headings). China is one of the top CBAM-affected countries due to high steel and aluminium exports to the EU. From 2026, financial obligations begin. The EU may expand CBAM to cover additional sectors (chemicals, plastics, glass) from 2030.
📝 Step-by-Step Guide
Prerequisites
- •Product falls under CBAM sectors
- •EU import volumes known
- 1
Check if your product is in CBAM scope
CBAM currently covers: iron/steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity, and hydrogen. From 2026, it covers all goods under the EU ETS (including some plastics and chemicals).
- 2
Collect embedded emissions data
You must report the direct and indirect CO2 emissions embedded in your products. This requires emissions data from your production facility — work with your manufacturer to obtain this.
- 3
Register as CBAM declarant and report quarterly
Register with the EU CBAM Transitional Registry. Report embedded emissions and CBAM certificates purchased quarterly. From 2026, you must surrender certificates to cover embedded emissions.
💰 Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | 10-20% higher shipping + duty advance | one-time |
| DAP (Delivered at Place) | Standard shipping rates | one-time |
| Self-filing customs declaration | €200-500/shipment for in-house team | one-time |
| Total Estimate | €210 – €520 | Per EU filing |
CBAM scope may expand to cover additional product categories
Currently covers steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, hydrogen; organic chemicals and plastics may be added
🛡️ Prevention Steps
- ✓Monitor EU CBAM regulation updates quarterly
- ✓Maintain flexible emissions reporting infrastructure
- ✓Build relationships with CBAM-compliant suppliers
Item by Item
InfoCBAM Product Categories—Reporting now
- 1Cement (TARIC Chapter 25)
- 2Iron and steel (TARIC Chapter 72)
- 3Aluminium (TARIC Chapter 76)
- 4Fertilisers (TARIC Chapter 31)
- 5Electricity (TARIC 2716)
- 6Hydrogen (TARIC 2804 10 00)
Comparison
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | DAP (Delivered at Place) | Self-filing customs declaration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best For | B2C sellers wanting premium customer experience | B2B sellers or low-value goods where buyer expects to handle customs | High-volume sellers with dedicated logistics team |
| Est. Cost | 10-20% higher shipping + duty advance | Standard shipping rates | €200-500/shipment for in-house team |
Common Mistakes
❌ Assuming CBAM only affects direct importers
💥 Consequence: Indirect importers and those using EU warehouses may also have obligations; supply chain complexity increases compliance burden
✅ Fix: Map entire supply chain for CBAM-affected goods; determine declarant obligations at each stage
Seller Paths
CBAM compliance path for Chinese exporters to EU
- 1. Identify CBAM-covered products in your export catalog
- 2. Calculate embedded emissions using EU methodology
- 3. Provide emissions data to EU importers
- 4. Register with Chinese authorities for emissions reporting
- 5. Prepare for CBAM certificate costs from 2026
Next Steps
Get a free compliance assessment
Continue →Related Questions
Sources
- • EU CBAM Regulation Annex I — Product categories
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a professional for your specific situation.