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CBAM: Your New Must-Have in EU Customs Compliance

CBAM: Your New Must-Have in EU Customs Compliance

CBAM is here. And it will cost you.


Since October 2023, quarterly reporting is mandatory. From 2026, real financial costs apply. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is no longer optional. If you import goods, you must act now—or face penalties, supply disruptions, and reputational damage.


Arne’s Takeaways

  • CBAM directly impacts many EU importers.

  • The transition phase is your window to fix gaps and avoid future costs.

  • Use this time to book your free CBAM assessment now


Key Questions Covered in This Blog

  • What is CBAM and how does it work?

  • Who is affected by CBAM?

  • What actions must be taken now?

  • How do we support your implementation?

  • What’s the cost of doing nothing?


Abbreviations Used In This Blog

  • CBAM = Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

  • EU = European Union

  • CO2 = Carbon dioxide

  • HS Code = Harmonized System (Customs Tariff Number)

"CBAM isn’t about climate anymore. It’s part of EU customs law. Miss it, and you pay for it."Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager


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What is CBAM and how does it work?

CBAM is the EU’s way to price carbon emissions at the border. Imports like steel, cement, and aluminium get hit with CO2 costs—mirroring the EU Emissions Trading System for domestic producers. The aim? Level the playing field and push global climate action.

Since 1 October 2023, importers must file quarterly reports. From 2026, they’ll have to buy carbon certificates. Delay now and you’ll pay twice—through reporting mistakes and poor supplier choices.

Who is affected by CBAM?

Importers bringing goods into the EU in sectors like iron & steel, aluminium, cement, hydrogen, fertilisers, and electricity are impacted. Upstream and downstream products may also fall under CBAM rules.

Check your HS Codes. The list is public and evolving. Also verify the origin: CBAM only applies to non-EU imports.


 Expert Advice: Run a status check using your tariff classifications to spot affected goods.


What actions must be taken now?

  1. Know your status. Are you affected? Which goods? Which suppliers?

  2. Submit quarterly reports. Deadline: One month after each quarter ends.

  3. Collect emissions data. Contact suppliers, gather data, and validate it.

  4. Buy CBAM certificates from 2026. The higher the emissions, the higher the cost.


Expert Advice: Use the transition phase until end of 2025 to test and build robust processes. Mistakes won’t be forgiven later.


How do we support your implementation?


Our CBAM Services - What We Offer


1. CBAM Status Check – Are You Affected?

We analyse your import flows to determine whether, and to what extent, your company falls under CBAM. This includes:

  • Reviewing relevant customs tariff codes (CN codes)

  • Matching against current CBAM product lists

  • Assessing supply chains and third-country sourcing


2. CBAM Reporting Support (Mandatory since 01.10.2023)

We help you submit accurate and timely quarterly CBAM reports:

  • Structured collection of import data

  • Sourcing and documenting CO₂ emissions data from third countries

  • Preparing and submitting reports via the EU’s CBAM Registry


3. Supplier Communication & Data CollectionWe support you in building a reliable data collection process:

  • Creating questionnaires for CBAM-relevant supplier data

  • Communicating with third-country manufacturers

  • Verifying the conformity of provided CO₂ data


4. Strategy & Customs Planning

We help you manage risks and identify savings potential:

  • Exploring alternative sourcing markets

  • HS code optimisation

  • Drafting supplier contracts with CBAM clauses


5. CBAM Training & In-House Workshops

Get your team CBAM-ready:

  • Compact CBAM webinars

  • Hands-on workshops for report preparation

  • Training on key technical terms like “embedded emissions” and “direct emissions”


🎓 High-Level Expertise

Our Managing Director, Arne Mielken, serves on the Advisory Board of the International Association of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (IACBAM)—a leading global platform for CBAM standards and implementation. He trains professionals and students worldwide in practical CBAM compliance and brings the latest regulatory insights straight into our projects. Tap into expertise that's trusted across borders.


🎯 Who Should Use This Service?

  • Importers of iron, steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen, electricity, and upstream CBAM goods

  • Customs and compliance professionals

  • Supply chain and sustainability managers


Let’s make your business CBAM-compliant and future-proof.


What’s the cost of doing nothing?

From 2026, CBAM becomes financially enforceable. Incorrect or missing reports lead to penalties. Missing certificates mean blocked imports or major cost spikes. Neglecting CBAM doesn’t just hurt your budget—it damages your credibility.

CBAM isn’t optional. It’s your next compliance obligation. Start now and get it right.


Who We Are: Customs Manager Ltd.

We help businesses across the EU, UK, and US with customs, export controls, and sanctions. Our platform www.customsmanager.info gives you the updates, tools, and advice needed to stay compliant and competitive.


Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and doesn’t constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. While we aim for accuracy, please seek tailored guidance before acting. We assume no liability for actions taken based on this content.




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