Legislation
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CBAM: The Key to Balancing Trade with Fair Carbon Pricing

Updated on
May 29, 2025

What is it?

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), established by Regulation (EU) 2023/956, is a measure of the European Union (EU) that seeks to ensure that importers of goods comply with the EU's carbon emission regulations.

Under this system, importers must acquire certificates that reflect the cost of carbon they would have paid if the goods had been produced in accordance with EU standards. The implementation of CBAM, also known as MAFC in Spanish, will be carried out gradually from October 1, 2023, to the year 2034, with January 1, 2025, being a key date that marks the end of the transitional period and the beginning of the definitive application period of CBAM.

What products are affected?

CBAM will initially apply to imports with high carbon intensity, such as: cement, iron, steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen.

During the transitional period, both direct and indirect emissions associated with certain products will be assessed. Ongoing evaluation will determine the possible expansion of indirect emissions to other goods, such as derived products, chemicals, and polymers, as the transitional period progresses.

In which countries does it apply and how does it affect me?

CBAM applies to certain products imported into the EU from third countries, excluding Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and special territories such as Ceuta and Melilla in Spain. A "third country" is considered to be one outside the EU's customs area, while countries within this customs area are defined in Regulation (EU) No. 952/2013, including nations like Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark (except the Faroe Islands and Greenland), Germany (except Heligoland and Büsingen), among others. Additionally, CBAM also applies to imports from the United Kingdom.

What is the roadmap for the implementation of CBAM?

During the transitional period (October 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025), importers will report emissions without making payments. The first three reports must be submitted on January 31, 2024, April 30, 2024, and July 31, 2024.

In the definitive period (January 1, 2026 - 2034), progressive notifications and payments will be introduced for importers, managing emissions with CBAM certificates, coordinated with the gradual phasing out of free allowances in the Emissions Trading System (ETS), expecting to finish before 2034.

The application for the future is planned for 2030, including all products detailed in the ETS, such as glass, ceramics, or cardboard.

How can Dcycle help you in the precise collection of data, managing environmental impact, and comply with CBAM legislation on time?

We specialize in helping you assess your carbon footprint and communicate effectively with stakeholders. We provide you with the necessary tools to simplify the collection and measurement of relevant data automatically, allowing you to obtain a roadmap and a clear vision of your environmental performance, driving not only sustainability but also the corporate responsibility of your company by taking immediate actions.

Take control of your ESG data today.
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Vanesa García
Head of Product Design

Domande frequenti (FAQ)

Come si può calcolare l'impronta di carbonio di un prodotto?

Analisi del calcolo dell'impronta di carbonio tutte le emissioni generate durante il ciclo di vita di un prodotto, compresi l'estrazione, la produzione, il trasporto, l'uso e lo smaltimento delle materie prime.

Le metodologie più riconosciute sono:

  • Valutazione del ciclo di vita (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • FINO AL 2050

Strumenti digitali come Dcycle semplifica il processo, fornendo informazioni accurate e fruibili.

Quali sono le certificazioni più riconosciute?
  • ISO 14067 — Definisce la misurazione dell'impronta di carbonio per i prodotti.
  • EPD (Dichiarazione ambientale di prodotto) — Impatto ambientale basato sull'LCA.
  • Da culla a culla (C2C) — Valuta la sostenibilità e la circolarità.
  • PIOMBO E BREAM — Certificazioni per edifici sostenibili.
Quali settori hanno la più alta impronta di carbonio?
  • Costruzione — Elevate emissioni da cemento e acciaio.
  • Tessile — Intenso utilizzo di acqua ed emissioni prodotte dalla produzione di fibre.
  • Industria alimentare — Impatto su larga scala sull'agricoltura e sui trasporti.
  • Trasporto — Dipendenza dai combustibili fossili nei veicoli e nell'aviazione.
In che modo le aziende possono ridurre l'impronta di carbonio dei prodotti?
  • Usare materiali riciclati o a basse emissioni.
  • Ottimizza processi di produzione per ridurre il consumo di energia.
  • Passa a fonti energetiche rinnovabili.
  • Migliorare trasporto e logistica per ridurre le emissioni.
La riduzione del carbonio è costosa?

Alcune strategie richiedono investimento iniziale, ma i benefici a lungo termine superano i costi.

  • Efficienza energetica riduce le spese operative.
  • Riutilizzo e riciclo dei materiali riduce i costi di approvvigionamento.
  • Certificazioni di sostenibilità aprire nuove opportunità di business.

Investire nella riduzione delle emissioni di carbonio non è solo un'azione ambientale, è un strategia aziendale intelligente.