EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism · Reg (EU) 2023/956
Do you need to be an Authorised CBAM Declarant?
From 1 January 2026, only an Authorised CBAM Declarant may import CBAM goods into the EU. Describe one import profile and find out whether you must apply — and get the readiness checklist: EORI, the CBAM Registry application, the 5-year compliance proof, the consultation window, your emissions data and the certificate plan.
The rule, in one line
In the CBAM definitive period (from 1 January 2026) you may only import CBAM goods if you are an Authorised CBAM Declarant. Importers of electricity or hydrogen must always be authorised; for cement, iron & steel, aluminium and fertilisers, authorisation is required only above the 50-tonne-per-year de minimis (Reg (EU) 2025/2083). You apply via the CBAM Registry to the competent authority of your Member State of establishment — the registry section has been open since 31 March 2025.
Official sources: European Commission — CBAM · CBAM Registry · Regulation (EU) 2023/956
You must become an Authorised CBAM Declarant
6readiness steps
You import 50 tonnes/year or more of CBAM goods in the definitive period — authorisation is required.
Your readiness checklist
- Confirm your EU EORI number (you have one) — it is required for the applicationReg (EU) 2023/956 + Reg (EU) No 952/2013 (Union Customs Code) Art. 5(31)
- Apply for Authorised CBAM Declarant status via the CBAM Registry to the national competent authority of your Member State of establishment (registry section live since 31 March 2025)European Commission — CBAM Registry; implementing rules C(2025)1567
- Be ready to prove compliance with customs and taxation rules over the previous 5 years (no serious or repeated infringements)Regulation (EU) 2023/956, authorisation conditions
- Allow up to 15 working days for the cross-Member-State consultation procedure before authorisation is grantedImplementing rules C(2025)1567 (consultation procedure)
- Prepare the embedded-emissions data for your imported goods (the basis of your CBAM declaration)Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 6–7 (CBAM declaration)
- Plan to buy CBAM certificates — sales for 2026 emissions start in 2027Regulation (EU) 2023/956, definitive period (from 1 Jan 2026)
Per-importer export
CBAM declarant readiness pack (PDF) · €39
A print-ready pack: your readiness verdict, the step-by-step authorisation application via the CBAM Registry, the documents to gather, and the key dates — built from the answers above.
This is guidance, not legal or customs advice. The export restates the regulation's requirements for your inputs; your customs adviser signs off the application.
What this tool is — and isn't
This checker restates Regulation (EU) 2023/956 and its 2025 simplification for the import profile you describe. It is an estimate and orientation, not legal or customs advice, and does not replace the authorisation procedure or professional counsel. Verify against the linked official sources; implementing acts are still being issued.
How the determination works
1. Are you in scope and in the definitive period?
CBAM covers six sectors (cement, iron & steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity, hydrogen). Authorisation only matters in the definitive period, from 1 January 2026. Before that, CBAM is reporting-only.
2. The 50-tonne de minimis (and the electricity/hydrogen exception)
Importers below 50 tonnes/year of CBAM goods do not need authorisation (Reg (EU) 2025/2083) — except for electricity and hydrogen, where importers must always be authorised regardless of volume.
3. The authorisation procedure
You apply via the CBAM Registry to the competent authority of your Member State of establishment (open since 31 March 2025). You need an EU EORI, proof of customs and tax compliance over the previous 5 years, and you allow up to 15 working days for the cross-Member-State consultation.
Frequently asked questions
- When do I need to be an Authorised CBAM Declarant?
- From 1 January 2026 (the definitive period), only an authorised CBAM declarant may import CBAM goods. In the transitional period (until 31 December 2025) you only file quarterly reports.
- Is there a minimum volume?
- Yes — a 50-tonne-per-year mass-based de minimis (Reg (EU) 2025/2083). Below it you do not need authorisation, except for electricity and hydrogen, which always require it.
- Where do I apply?
- Via the CBAM Registry, to the national competent authority of your Member State of establishment — regardless of where the goods are imported. The application section has been live since 31 March 2025.
- What do I need to qualify?
- An EU EORI number and proof of compliance with customs and taxation rules over the previous 5 years (no serious or repeated infringements). A consultation procedure of up to 15 working days runs before authorisation is granted.
- When do I actually pay for certificates?
- The sale of CBAM certificates for emissions embedded in goods imported during 2026 starts in 2027. You declare embedded emissions and surrender certificates as an authorised declarant.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This tool restates the CBAM Regulation and Commission guidance for the profile you describe. It is orientation for importers, not a CBAM filing or professional advice. Always verify against the linked official sources.