Importers of CBAM-eligible goods will be required to purchase CBAM certificates starting in February 2027 to cover imports made during 2026.
Quarterly pricing system for 2026
In 2026, the price of CBAM certificates will be calculated quarterly as the average clearing price of EU ETS auction quotas during the corresponding quarter. This methodology is designed to ensure that the CBAM carbon price reflects the actual cost of carbon in the EU market.
Starting in 2027, the Commission will switch to a weekly pricing mechanism. However, a quarterly system will be applied during 2026 to ensure a transparent transition to the financial phase of CBAM.
Schedule for the publication of prices for CBAM certificates
Each quarterly price will be calculated during the first calendar week after the end of the quarter and will be published on the first business day of the following week. Scheduled dates for the publication of prices for CBAM certificates in 2026:
Quarter | Date of publication |
|---|---|
First quarter | April 7, 2026 |
Second quarter | July 6, 2026 |
Third quarter | October 5, 2026 |
Fourth quarter | January 4, 2027 |
For transparency, the price will be published on the CBAM website of the European Commission and in the CBAM registry.
The European Commission has also launched a tender process for a single central platform that will manage the sale and repurchase of CBAM certificates. Economic operators interested in participating in the platform were invited to submit applications by March 20, 2026, as the EU continues preparations for the full implementation of the CBAM mechanism.
