The European Commission has published the first official Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificate price, setting the level at €75.36 for the first quarter of 2026.
The pricing methodology ensures that CBAM certificate costs are aligned with the average price of allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System. This approach is designed to maintain consistency between the carbon costs faced by EU producers and those applied to imports entering the EU market.
For 2026, CBAM certificate prices will be calculated and published on a quarterly basis, with one price set for each calendar quarter. Each quarterly price will be determined during the first week following the end of the respective quarter, based on the weighted average of EU ETS auction clearing prices. The certificate price for the second quarter is expected to be published on July 6.
Starting from 2027, CBAM pricing will shift to a weekly system, increasing responsiveness to market developments and improving transparency. This change is expected to enhance alignment between CBAM costs and real-time carbon market dynamics.
Centralized platform for certificate purchases
In line with Regulation (EU) 2023/956, CBAM certificates will be purchased through a centralized common platform. This transition will support a fully operational and standardized system for managing carbon cost compliance for imports into the EU.
