First CBAM report due 31 January 2024
As reported in previous editions of Tax News, 1 October 2023 marked the start of transitional period for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (»CBAM«). During the transitional period, between 1 October 2023 and 31 December 2025, importers of covered goods (steel and iron (incl. some downstream products), aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen) will need to submit quarterly reports and obtain CBAM import authorization. In this edition of Tax News, we are answering some common questions on CBAM, arising in the run up to first reporting deadline.
Who is responsible for CBAM reporting?
If a company imports good subject to CBAM regulation, reporting declarant (i.e. either company itself or its indirect customs representative) are responsible for submission of CBAM reports and correctness of reported data.
When do I need to submit the first CBAM report?
The first quarterly CBAM report is due by 31 January 2024 and will cover the period 1 October to 31 December 2023.
What information do I need to disclose the report?
In addition to information on importer, customs representative, customs procedure applied etc., the following information shall be reported:
- The total quantity of each type of CBAM goods
- The actual total embedded emissions
- The total indirect emissions
- The carbon price due in a country of origin for the embedded emissions in the imported goods (including its relevant precursors where applicable), taking into account any rebate or other form of compensation available
Our company only imports CBAM covered goods occasionally and in low values. Do I still need to submit CAM report?
Certain small quantities of imported CBAM covered goods may be exempt from CBAM Regulation. Namely, de minimis exemption applies to any consignment of covered goods not exceeding EUR 150.
My supplier is not aware of the CBAM Regulation and is not providing me with information of embedded emissions. What should I do?
Good cooperation with suppliers and timely preparation for CBAM reporting is crucial. Ultimately, reporting declarant is responsible for CBAM reporting and may suffer penalties in case of non-compliance. However, understanding that gathering data on embedded emissions from suppliers may be challenging in the beginning, for imports until 31 July 2024, the Regulation allows for use of so-called default values published by the EU Commission.
What are possible consequences if we do not submit CBAM report (timely) or report incorrect / incomplete data?
Reporting on emissions embedded in CBAM covered goods is mandatory as of 1 October 2023. Non-compliance with CBAM Regulation, i.e. non-reporting (incl. late reporting) and reporting of incorrect or incomplete data, may be subject to penalties between EUR 10 and EUR 50 per ton of embedded emissions in imported goods.