The reference price for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificates has been set at €75.36 per tonne of CO2.

The European Commission has officially set the reference price for CBAM certificates for the first quarter of 2026 at €75.36 per tonne of CO2. This announcement was released by the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD).

This announcement clarifies for the first time the actual cost for importers using the mechanism.

From February 2027, importers of goods subject to CBAM will be required to purchase the relevant certificates to cover their imports in the previous year (2026). In 2026, the price will be calculated based on the quarterly average price of allowances set in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) auctions. From 2027 onwards, the European Commission will calculate and publish the price weekly.

The following quarterly prices will be published on the following schedule:

• June 6 (Second Quarter),

• October 5 (Third Quarter),

• January 4, 2027 (Fourth Quarter).

As a reminder, prior to the price announcement, the European Steel Association (EUROFER) has called for further improvements to the Carbon Emissions Trading Mechanism (CBAM), demanding expanded scope, closed loopholes, and accelerated support for decarbonization.

The association specifically recommends strengthening steel traceability, eliminating simplified procedures exempting certain commodities and countries from the mechanism, aligning CBAM rules regarding international carbon credits with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), and removing exemptions for processing procedures within customs territories.