CBAM live: 4,100+ declarants authorized, 10,483 declarations in first week
The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) went live on 1 January 2026, integrating the CBAM Registry with national customs systems across all Member States. In the first week, over 12,000 economic operators applied for CBAM authorization, with 4,100+ obtaining authorized-declarant status. Customs processed 10,483 CBAM declarations automatically between 1–7 January, covering 1.66 million tonnes of goods (98% iron & steel, plus aluminium, fertilisers, cement). The EU reports stable processing times and seamless real-time data exchange. Economic operators still lacking authorization must apply immediately to the CBAM Registry to avoid delays.
Photo: RDNE Stock project / PexelsThe Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) successfully entered into force on 1 January 2026, integrating the CBAM Registry with National Customs Import Systems, Taric, and the EU Customs Single Window across all Member States, according to EU TAXUD.
Scope and covered goods
CBAM applies to iron & steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity, and hydrogen. Customs validation of CBAM authorisations now occurs before Release for Free Circulation, with monitoring of the 50-tonne threshold. SME importers of CBAM goods benefit from flexibilities introduced in the Omnibus package.
First-week operational snapshot
Between 1 and 7 January 2026, the system processed 10,483 import customs declarations with CBAM goods in real-time via integrated customs systems. Trade volumes in the first reporting window (1–6 January) totalled 1.66 million tonnes:
Iron & Steel : 98% of total CBAM-covered volumes Aluminium : 0.3% Fertilisers : 1.2% Cement : 0.5% Electricity & Hydrogen : 0% (data incomplete pending full transmission)
More than 12,000 economic operators had submitted CBAM authorisation applications by 7 January; 4,100+ had already obtained authorized-declarant status.
Top trading countries and Member States
The leading origins of CBAM-covered imports were Türkiye, China, India, Canada, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The highest volumes of CBAM declarations were recorded in Belgium, Spain, Romania, the Netherlands, France, and Germany.
Key integration achievement
The EU emphasises that the seamless interconnection of the CBAM Registry with national customs systems ensured real-time data exchange, efficient validation of declarants, and uninterrupted import procedures. National authorities report stable processing times supported by harmonised digital workflows. The system demonstrates the robustness of the regulatory framework and the preparedness of Commission services, National Competent Authorities (NCAs), and economic operators.
What this means for shippers
If your company imports iron & steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity, or hydrogen into the EU, you must have CBAM authorized-declarant status before your goods clear customs. Submit your CBAM authorization application to the CBAM Registry immediately—delays cost clearance holds and compliance fines. Consult your National Competent Authority or CBAM Registry guidance for sector-specific rules and the 50-tonne threshold monitoring.
