eXGateAI Global Trade Intelligence

EU CBAM 2026: Over 50 Tonnes Without Authorisation Can Stop Further Imports For EU importers of covered iron and steel, aluminium, cement, and fertiliser goods, annual imports of 50 tonnes or less qualify for the mass-based exemption. Once cumulative imports exceed 50 tonnes, the importer must meet the full CBAM requirements, including authorised declarant status. Hydrogen and electricity are not covered by the 50-tonne exemption. The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism entered its definitive phase on January 1, 2026. EU importers and their non-EU suppliers are no longer dealing only with transitional emissions reports. They must now manage authorisation, customs checks, embedded-emissions data, and the certificate liabilities linked to 2026 imports. The key operational threshold is more than 50 tonnes per calendar year . If an EU importer brings in 50 tonnes or less of covered iron and steel, aluminium, cement, and fertiliser goods, the mass-based exemption ...