Four months to go: what businesses still need from Brussels

Carbon Pulse featured us this month on the uncertainty facing importers as CBAM’s full enforcement in January 2026 approaches.

Key implementation rules are still missing, leaving companies unable to calculate costs accurately or sign long-term contracts. Four elements are especially crucial for CBAM to work as planned:

• Benchmarks: These will define how many CBAM certificates importers must surrender. Until published, the real cost of 2026 imports remains a mystery.

• Verification rules: Companies need to know how emissions data will be validated and which verifiers will be recognised.

• Default values: Some importers will have to rely on default values where supplier data is missing. The scale of the “mark-up” on these defaults is still unknown, making it hard to assess exposure.

• Certificate purchase rules: Clear timelines for buying certificates are essential for planning cash flow and avoiding disruptions.

Businesses are working hard to prepare, but the lack of guidance leaves them exposed. Goods ordered today will arrive in 2026 and fall under CBAM — yet companies still lack visibility on how much tax they will owe.

At CBAMBOO, we help importers set up the right processes and future-proof their operations. Get in touch to learn what you can already do today to avoid surprises in January.

Where to meet CBAMBOO this Autumn

📍 UK Metals 2025, 10-11 Sept, Birmingham, UK

CBAM has been a hot topic for the metals industry but this year is special. Last round of industry events before the EU CBAM enters in final phase and just over a year before the UK CBAM enters into force. Now more than ever, the metals community needs proper insights on how to navigate CBAM and what's coming.

With more than 7000 attendees, we are excited to meet old friends and customers in Birmingham this year again!

📍 UK Metals 2025, 10-11 Sept, Birmingham, UK

For the first time, CBAMBOO will be represented at a closed doors industry event outside of Europe.

The 2025 International Stainless Steel & Special Steel Conference will gather representatives from all around the world and top class speakers to discuss priorities for the industry.

"Navigating Geopolitical Challenges & Securing Long-Term Competitiveness" will guide the conversation throughout the event and we think CBAM is a core topic to be addressed here.

We will delve deep into the topic with a two hours workshop delivered by Emelie Olsson, our Customer Success Lead on the state of CBAMs and what stainless steel traders must do to prepare for this new reality globally.

When: Thursday 18 September

Where: UK Bern Meeting Room, Level 5, Swissôtel The Bosphorus

📍 Fastener Poland - 15-16 Oct, Krakow, Poland

Last March, we attended Fastener Fair Global in Stuttgart — and it was a huge success. Meeting the fastener industry in person was eye-opening. Fastener distributors are disproportionately affected by CBAM, yet they are among the best-prepared sectors.

This October, we’re heading to Krakow for the first edition of Fastener Poland! We’re eager to see what has changed across the industry and explore how we can best support companies in the lead-up to CBAM 2.0.

📍 Argus Fertiliser Europe Conference - 21-23 Oct, Lisbon, Portugal

The fertilizer industry is unique in the context of CBAM. Its seasonality, complex and multiple production processes, and heavy reliance on international trade create specific challenges for compliance and planning.

This year, we’re heading to Lisbon for a full day focused on CBAM and its implications for the fertilizer sector. We will explore how the regulation interacts with production cycles, supply chains, and cost structures, and discuss practical steps companies can take to prepare for 2026.

We’re looking forward to connecting with industry stakeholders, sharing insights, and understanding the sector’s priorities as CBAM enters its next phase.

When: 21 October, CBAM Add-on day, 10:00

Where: Epic Sana Lisboa Hotel

📍 World Stainless Steel Expo - 18-20 Nov, Maastricht, The Netherlands

CBAMBOO will be exhibiting at the 14th edition of the largest stainless steel show, which attracts over 8,000 visitors from around the world. The Netherlands, as a key trade hub, makes Maastricht the perfect meeting point for producers, importers, and distributors to connect and exchange insights.

CBAM presents specific challenges for the stainless steel sector, and we are well-versed in them. We will be on hand to show how companies can take the necessary steps and prepare for a carbon-tariffed world.

We’re excited to meet industry stakeholders in person and hear about their priorities. Reach out if you would like a free invitation to the show.