EU CBAM Screening & Emissions Estimator
Calculate estimated embedded emissions and certificate costs for CBAM-regulated goods (Cement, Steel, Aluminum, etc.) in the EU.
This is an estimate. Results use default values and a price you enter. They are not a substitute for verified emissions data from the producing installation or for the figures in your CBAM declaration.
CBAM Calculation Logic
Payable emissions = (specific emissions − free allocation share × EU benchmark) × quantity. Cost = payable emissions × (certificate price − carbon price paid at origin). Free allocation share for 2026: 97.5%. Iron and steel, aluminium and hydrogen count direct emissions only; cement and fertilisers also count indirect emissions (Annex II). In 2026 the certificate price is the quarterly average of EU ETS auction prices.
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Overview & methodology
Default embedded-emissions values by product group
| Product group | Example product (CN code) | Default value used (tCO2e per tonne) | Embedded emissions per 100 t |
|---|---|---|---|
| cement | Portland cement (25232900) | 0.82 tCO2e/t | 82 tCO2e |
| iron and steel | Non-alloy pig iron (72011011) | 1.50 tCO2e/t | 150 tCO2e |
| aluminum | Unwrought aluminum (76011000) | 6.67 tCO2e/t | 667 tCO2e |
| fertilizer | Urea (31021010) | 2.39 tCO2e/t | 239 tCO2e |
| hydrogen | Hydrogen (28041000) | 9.40 tCO2e/t | 940 tCO2e |
| electricity | Electricity (27160000) | 0.52 tCO2e/MWh | 52 tCO2e |
Defaults for estimation only, from this estimator's table version eu-cbam-2026 (source: European Commission, Regulation (EU) 2023/956; last checked 2026-08-10). Values are per tonne of product, and per MWh for electricity. They are not a substitute for verified supplier data. Check the default values currently published by the European Commission before relying on any figure. Reporting obligation: from 1 January 2026, authorised CBAM declarants must file an annual CBAM declaration of embedded emissions and surrender CBAM certificates.
Understanding CBAM Liability
CBAM is designed to prevent 'carbon leakage' by ensuring that the carbon price of imports is equivalent to the carbon price paid by EU producers under the ETS. Importers of steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizer, hydrogen, and electricity reported emissions quarterly during the transitional period (October 2023 to December 2025). From 1 January 2026 authorised CBAM declarants file an annual CBAM declaration and surrender CBAM certificates for the embedded emissions declared. Check the European Commission CBAM page for current deadlines and penalties.
Numerical Example: CBAM Cost Phase-in (Steel Billets)
While the initial 2026 liability is low due to high free allocations, the cost will escalate significantly toward 2034 as the phase-in factor reaches 100%.
Phase-in schedule (share of CBAM obligation payable): 2026 2.5%, 2027 5%, 2028 10%, 2029 22.5%, 2030 48.5%, 2031 61%, 2032 73.5%, 2033 86%, 2034 100%. Source: Article 10a(1a) of the EU ETS Directive 2003/87/EC as amended by Directive (EU) 2023/959, applied to CBAM by Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2023/956. The ETS price used is an illustrative assumption, not a forecast.
Default vs Actual Values
During the transitional phase (until 2025), importers can use default values published by the European Commission if actual installation data is unavailable. However, from 2026 onwards, the use of default values will be restricted, making primary data from suppliers critical for compliance and cost reduction.
Related tools: EU TARIC, Import Duty Calculator.
Method note: calculations run in your browser using the formulas and published rule books cited on this page. Results are free estimates for planning, with no login required, and should be confirmed with your bank, broker or the official source before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EU CBAM?
CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) is an EU policy that imposes a carbon cost on imports of high-emission goods (steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizer, electricity, and hydrogen) to prevent carbon leakage. Importers must report embedded emissions and purchase CBAM certificates; phase-in runs 2023–2030 with transition and compliance phases.
How are default emission values calculated?
Default values are based on the most-emitting 10% of EU producers for each commodity. They represent typical embedded emissions in the product. You can also use actual emissions from third-country producers if they provide verified data. Default values decrease annually as EU production becomes cleaner.
What is the annual phase-in factor?
CBAM certificates are reduced by the EU ETS free allocation still given to EU producers (Art. 31, Regulation (EU) 2023/956). Free allocation covers 97.5% of the EU benchmark in 2026, 95% in 2027, 90% in 2028, 77.5% in 2029, 51.5% in 2030, 39% in 2031, 26.5% in 2032, 14% in 2033 and 0% from 2034. This tool deducts that share from the benchmark emissions you enter.