CBAM readiness for Indian exporters

What CBAM is, in plain terms

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) puts a carbon cost on certain imports, so they carry a price similar to what EU producers pay under the EU Emissions Trading System. It covers cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen.

The definitive period began on 1 January 2026. Imports now build up a certificate liability, though certificates are bought from 2027. The EU importer pays, but needs installation-level emissions data from the exporter. Without it, default values apply with a rising mark-up.

Key dates

• October 2023 to December 2025: transitional period with quarterly reports and no payment.
• 1 January 2026: definitive period starts for importers above 50 tonnes a year.
• 1 February 2027: CBAM certificate sales open for 2026 imports.
• 30 September 2027: first annual declaration and certificate surrender covering 2026 imports.

Five steps to be ready

1. Check scopeIdentify which products and EU buyers fall under CBAM.
2. MeasureCalculate emissions per tonne of product at each plant using the EU's method.
3. Build the trailKeep fuel, power and production records with a monitoring plan.
4. Get it verifiedAn accredited verifier checks the data before buyers rely on it.
5. Talk to buyersAgree data formats and timing, and model your cost exposure.

How Net Zero Sustainable Solutions helps

CBAM is a data problem first. We help you produce numbers that an EU buyer and a verifier will accept.

• CBAM readiness assessment covering scope, data gaps and buyer requirements.
• Installation emissions calculation for direct and indirect product emissions.
• Monitoring and evidence files ready for verification.
• Exposure modelling against default values and verified actual data.