CBAM definitive period

CBAM deadlines 2026 to 2034

Every CBAM date that matters for EU importers and non-EU exporters, from importer authorisation in 2026 to the end of free allocation in 2034. Free to embed.

CBAM: the key dates of the definitive period
As amended by the CBAM simplification, Regulation (EU) 2025/2083. Status: 17 October 2026. Not legal advice.

What each date means

  1. 1 Jan 2026Definitive period startsImporters of more than 50 t of CBAM goods a year need authorisation as CBAM declarants.
  2. 31 Mar 2026Authorisation grace periodImporters who applied by this date may keep importing while their application is processed.
  3. 1 Feb 2027Certificate sales openCBAM certificates go on sale. For 2026 imports, prices follow quarterly average EU ETS prices.
  4. 31 Mar 2027First quarterly holdingDeclarants must hold certificates for 50% of the embedded emissions of their 2027 imports so far.
  5. 30 Sep 2027First annual declarationDeclaration and surrender of certificates for 2026 imports. Every year after, the deadline is 30 September.
  6. 2034Free allocation endsImporters pay for 100% of embedded emissions; the CBAM charge rises step by step until then.

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Sources