Information on the current status and implementation of the CBAM Basic Regulation (EU) 2023/956 of the European Union

Dear Sir or Madam,

As of the beginning of 2026, the CO₂ Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM – Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) introduced by the European Commission has moved from the transitional phase into the implementation phase.

As an importer of affected goods – in particular steel fasteners – we are required to purchase CBAM certificates based on the CO₂ emissions generated in third countries during the production of these goods. The objective of this regulation is to prevent competitive disadvantages for European manufacturers resulting from the intensified CO₂ pricing under the EU Emissions Trading System.

The actual purchase of CBAM certificates is expected to be possible only from spring 2027 onwards. However, certificates must then be acquired retroactively for all imports made during 2026. This makes it necessary for us to incorporate the anticipated costs into our pricing already now and to build the corresponding financial provisions.

In addition, the EU benchmark values and updated standard values published shortly before the end of the year have led to a significant increase in the emission values to be applied. The use of actual manufacturer data is currently not possible, as this requires prior validation by accredited external verification bodies. The institutional framework for such validation will not be established by the EU before the third quarter of 2026.

Based on the applicable implementing provisions, we have identified all affected items and determined the required price adjustments in accordance with the prescribed calculation formula, taking into account customs tariff numbers, weight data, and country of origin.