Staying on top of the approaching deadlines of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

At the end of last year, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) began its transitional phase, placing a price on carbon-intensive products imported into the European Union to prevent carbon leakage. As we step further into the transitional phase, the reporting requirements are becoming more difficult to comply with. We previously spoke about how to prepare your supply chain for CBAM and as we go deeper into the transitional phase, the statistics suggest that many companies are not in a position to comply with the regulation. In this article, we touch upon the changes impacting your business, and how our teams can provide full CBAM service, including support with submitting the actual emission data.

During the transitional period, European businesses must submit quarterly reports for goods imported under the CBAM scope. In the first two quarters of 2024, businesses can report default values, providing time to revise their processes before reporting actual values becomes mandatory. However, only 10% of companies in Germany and 11% in Sweden have submitted their required reports, highlighting concerns about the readiness of businesses to adapt to this new regulatory environment – particularly with the upcoming reporting due on 31 October, which will require reporting on actual emissions, instead of previously accepted default values.

The impact of CBAM so far

European importers of cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity, and hydrogen, have submitted two quarterly CBAM reports, offering multiple learning opportunities but also highlighting several challenges. “Companies are aware of CBAM, but many have not met reporting deadlines and they lack the specific information and expertise needed for future compliance,” says Bryan Stocker, Regional Head of Global Trade and Customs Consulting at Maersk.

To report on actual embedded emissions, close cooperation with suppliers and producers in third countries is crucial, and yet businesses around Europe report this to be one of the biggest challenges of CBAM, alongside being on top of your customs data. Some suppliers may not understand the full extent of instructions, others may not be able to calculate the emissions, and some may not consider the benefits of providing the data worth the cost to collect it.

“Our teams have provided extensive support to our CBAM customers, from training personnel, communication with suppliers, collecting and analysing import data, engaging with suppliers and submitting reports, and what we see is the key in this process is staying on top of your customs data. Customers need to know what exactly they have imported, and which parts are in CBAM scope, to be able to comply with the regulation and avoid costly mistakes,” says Stocker.

Key considerations for CBAM compliance going forward

During the transitional period, CBAM is limited in scope to six sectors with no direct cost implications as a consequence of the regulation, which has made it relatively easy to follow. But as CBAM implementation progresses, the stakes become higher for all businesses operating under its scope. For the reports that are due to be submitted from 31 October onwards, companies can no longer rely on reporting default values and need to report on actual emissions, which is significantly more complex.

As with many regulations, incorrect reporting of emissions can result in fines or import bans, as well as have a reputational impact on the business. “Incorrect reporting can also cause difficulties for businesses further down the line – once CBAM is fully implemented, only authorised importers can import goods covered by the regulation. And with incorrect reporting, business risk not receiving the needed authorisation,” explains Fiaz Bailey, Trade and Customs Consultant at Maersk.

Getting the right processes in place now, ahead of October reporting, is absolutely essential for businesses to have a solid platform on which they can build as the regulation becomes more complex.

Staying on top of your customs data is crucial for ensuring compliance and staying ahead of regulatory changes. For assistance with CBAM reporting or other customs and trade compliance issues, our team of consultants is here to help. With CBAM in particular, our teams have systems and resources in place that support customers not only with collecting reporting data, but also with submitting these new values. Connect with our Customs Services experts or find out more about Maersk Customs Services.