Prepare for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
Find out what to do if you import specific goods from the aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, and iron and steel sectors into the UK from 1 January 2027.
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) comes into effect on 1 January 2027.
It will tax embodied emissions in specific carbon intensive goods imported into the UK.
If you import CBAM goods into the UK from the aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, iron and steel sectors:
- you’ll have to keep records
- you may need to register
Check if you'll need to register
If you’re liable for CBAM, you will need to register.
Registration for CBAM will open on 1 January 2028.
Keeping records and monitoring emissions
If you do not need to register, you’ll still need to keep records to prove you’re not liable for the tax.
HMRC will publish guidance soon on monitoring, reporting and verifying embodied emissions.
Rates, default emissions values and reliefs
HMRC will publish guidance soon on rates and default emissions values for aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and iron and steel.
If your goods meet certain conditions, you may be able to claim Carbon Price Relief.
Legislation, policy and consultations
On the UK Parliament website, you can find the:
- primary legislation for CBAM in part 5 of the Finance Act 2026
- CBAM (Calculation of CBAM Rate and Determination of Carbon Price Relief) Regulations 2026
- CBAM (Administrative Provisions) Regulations 2026
- CBAM (Transitory Provision) Regulations 2026
- CBAM Interest (Appointed Day) Order 2026
- CBAM (Emissions and Verification) Regulations 2026
Communications resources
Get help and support
To receive updates from HMRC about Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, email: cbampolicyteam@hmrc.gov.uk, put ‘CBAM mailing list’ in the subject title field.
For any other CBAM enquiries please email: cbamenquiries@hmrc.gov.uk.