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EU extends CBAM to downstream goods, tightens anti-circumvention rules

The European Commission has reached agreement with the EU Council to expand the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to cover specific downstream goods and strengthen anti-circumvention safeguards. This extension broadens the scope of carbon-pricing obligations for importers of covered goods into the EU, affecting how shippers classify and value products subject to embedded-emissions reporting.

EU CBAM webinar: decarbonization incentives in 2026

The EU's Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs (DG TAXUD) held its second CBAM implementation webinar on 7 May 2026, focused on how exporters can leverage decarbonization efforts to reduce CBAM exposure. CBAM, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (Regulation 2023/956), applies to imports of cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, hydrogen, and electricity. The webinar addressed strategies for proving lower embedded emissions and securing CBAM certificates at favorable rates—critical for non-EU manufacturers competing in European markets as the transitional phase ends.

EU releases indirect-emissions guidance for CBAM implementation

The European Commission has published a technical study on indirect emissions under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), providing policy analysis to support CBAM implementation and evolution. This study addresses how embedded indirect emissions—such as electricity and steam used in production—are measured, reported, and credited within the CBAM framework, which covers cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, hydrogen, and electricity. The guidance is intended to clarify compliance pathways for importers and EU producers as CBAM transitions from its current phase into full operational scope.

EU CBAM definitive phase: carbon-price evidence calls open

On 28 August 2025, the European Commission opened three Calls for Evidence to gather data on carbon prices paid in third countries, supporting the drafting of implementing acts for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism's definitive phase. These calls will inform how the EU calculates adjustment payments and validates embedded-emissions data from non-EU producers. Shippers and exporters in covered sectors (cement, steel, aluminium, fertilisers, hydrogen, electricity) should prepare detailed carbon-cost documentation.

EU–Uzbekistan trade pact: tariff relief and market access

The EU and Uzbekistan have signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, effective 29 April 2026. The deal establishes preferential trade terms, removes tariffs on key sectors, and creates a framework for customs cooperation. Shippers moving goods between the EU and Uzbekistan will benefit from reduced duties on eligible products, though origin rules and certificate-of-origin requirements will apply.