The European Commission has published the official price of certificates under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This represents a key milestone in the operational implementation of CBAM.
This publication provides an official reference directly linked to the EU carbon market, enabling economic operators to anticipate the financial impact of embedded carbon emissions in imports subject to CBAM.
CBAM Certificate Price – Q1 2026
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Period of application | First quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026) |
| CBAM certificate price | €75.36 per tonne of CO₂ |
| Date of publication | 7 April 2026 |
This price applies exclusively to the emissions embedded in CBAM goods imported during the relevant quarter. It does not have retroactive effect and does not apply beyond the specific period for which it is published.
Legal basis and calculation methodology
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2548 establishes a single calculation methodology for the price of CBAM certificates, based on the weighted average of the auction clearing prices of allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
However, the Regulation distinguishes the frequency of calculation and publication depending on the period of application:
| Period | Frequency of Calculation & Publication | Price Determination Method | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 2026 | Quarterly | Average price of the relevant calendar quarter | To emissions embedded in goods imported during that quarter |
| From 2027 onwards | Weekly | Average of the closing prices of EU ETS allowances on the auction platform for the relevant calendar week | To emissions embedded in goods imported during that week |
In summary, the calculation method remains the same for both periods; only the frequency changes, from quarterly in 2026 to weekly from 2027 onwards.
Through this approach, CBAM ensures that imports bear a carbon cost equivalent to that faced by EU producers, thereby reinforcing the level playing field principle.
The EU Commission will continue to publish the official prices of CBAM certificates on its dedicated webpage.
Publication of the price vs. purchase of certificates
It is important to distinguish between the publication of the price and the obligation to purchase CBAM certificates:
- Although CBAM certificate prices are published during 2026, the certificates corresponding to imports made in 2026 must only be purchased from February 2027 onwards.
- The EU Commission has explicitly stated that the early publication of prices aims to:
- increase transparency,
- prevent the use of unofficial market estimates, and
- allow operators to plan in advance their financial exposure and contractual arrangements.
CBAM certificates will be purchased through a single EU-wide central platform, which will become operational for the purchasing phase.
What does this publication mean for operators?
- It provides an official benchmark for the carbon cost applicable to CBAM-covered imports.
- It allows operators to estimate future financial impact by product, supplier and country of origin.
- It reinforces the need to:
- ensure reliable data on embedded emissions, and
- review contracts and supply chain strategies in view of the definitive CBAM regime.
The publication of the first CBAM certificate price marks the transition of CBAM from a reporting-based framework to its real economic application, giving operators a solid and official basis for compliance and financial planning from 2026 onwards.
Further information
- Price of CBAM certificates
- CBAM
- WiseTech Academy Industry Course: The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)