CBAM Pulse
Proposal — not law

Commission proposes slowing the CBAM phase-in

The European Commission published COM(2026) 616 as part of its EU Emissions Trading System review. It proposes slowing the phase-out of free ETS allocation for sectors covered by CBAM and completing that phase-out in 2038. This is a legislative proposal, not adopted law; it does not change the current CBAM factor schedule or CBAM Pulse assumptions.

This reflects a legislative proposal (e.g. COM(2025)989) that has not been adopted. Scope, product lists, and dates may change or may not enter into force.

Dated
Feed entry date assigned by CBAM Pulse.
Last reviewed
Date a human last reviewed this summary against the sources.

What changed

  • The Commission proposes that 15% of the free allocation phased out due to the CBAM factor be reintroduced, starting in 2028.
  • The proposal would reduce and delay the phase-out of free allocation for existing CBAM sectors until 2038.
  • The proposed trajectory remains subject to the EU legislative process; current adopted rules remain unchanged.

Who may be affected

EU producers in CBAM sectors, importers, authorised CBAM declarants, customs representatives, and advisers planning future carbon-cost exposure may want to monitor the proposal. Current calculations and scope checks should continue to use adopted rules.

Official sources

Summary prepared by CBAM Pulse from the official sources linked above. It is informational only and not legal, tax, or customs advice. In case of any difference, the official text prevails.