EU extends carbon border tax to 180 downstream products and targets ‘loopholes’
By 
Ruth Prickett2026-01-09T17:58:00
The EU is extending its ground-breaking carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), which imposes carbon pricing on raw materials imported from outside the EU, to 180 downstream products made from those materials. The CBAM is the first attempt worldwide to tax the carbon emissions of imports. It aims to ensure that domestic manufacturers who must pay for their greenhouse gas emissions under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) are not at a competitive disadvantage.
The CBAM comes into force on Jan. 1, 2026, and was revised and simplified in September. The sectors most affected include machinery, hardware and fabrications, vehicle components, domestic appliances, and construction equipment. Nitrogen fertilisers are also in scope.
THIS IS MEMBERS-ONLY CONTENT
You are not logged in and do not have access to members-only content.
If you are already a registered user or a member, SIGN IN now.
Related articles
-
ArticleNew regulatory regimes for U.K. and EU ESG ratings firms could increase compliance costs
Environmental ratings are becoming big business as companies seek proof of sustainable and socially beneficial conduct. Firms that issue ratings on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance are set to be regulated in the EU and U.K.
-
ArticleU.K. Cyber Security and Resilience bill set to regulate critical infrastructure suppliers
Suppliers to the U.K. critical infrastructure will face new regulations to ensure they are protected from cyberattacks. The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, introduced on November 12, also raises penalties for breaches and expands regulator powers to label certain suppliers as critical.
-
ArticleRapid regulatory change requires investment in compliance processes in financial services firms
Geopolitical instability and a general focus on increasing growth and productivity by governments worldwide are causing a slew of regulatory changes in the financial services sector. But most firms are failing to identify potential compliance changes early enough to make meaningful decisions.
More from Regulatory Policy
-
ArticleU.K. listed companies must adapt to new sustainability reporting regime by 2027
Sustainability reporting rules for U.K. listed companies are set to change. The U.K. financial regulator has launched a consultation laying out its proposals, which aim to align the reporting regime with the international ISSB standards.
-
ArticleU.K. ‘buy now pay later’ regulation signals end of ‘Wild West’ fintech loans system
Firms offering “buy now, pay later” financing will become part of the regulated financial services sector in the U.K. from July 15. Compliance teams must act now to ensure they are ready to introduce rules and establish creditworthiness assessment processes, adapt systems, and change data processes before the deadline.
-
ArticleNew EU rules will force companies to come clean on pay
New rules that will be introduced this June will require companies based in the European Union (EU) to explain why some workers are paid more money for the same job and remedy any “unjustified” discrepancies.