European Commission sets first CBAM certificate price

The European Commission has calculated the first CBAM certificate price. The price for the first quarter of 2026 is EUR 75.36.

The European Commission has published the first price of CBAM certificates for 2026 Q1 on its new dedicated page on the CBAM website, marking an important milestone in the implementation of CBAM.

The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism entered into force on January 1. From the beginning of this year, firms in the EU that import aluminum, cement, electricity, iron and steel, hydrogen and fertilizers from non-EU countries are obliged to pay a carbon price under CBAM. But, the deadline to submit CBAM certificates for 2026 is May 31, 2027.

From 2027 the commission will calculate a weekly price

Unlike from 2027 where the commission will calculate a weekly price, for each quarter in 2026, the price of CBAM certificates will be calculated as the quarterly average of the

EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) auction clearing prices of allowances, according to the European Commission.

The price of a quarter will be calculated during the first calendar week of the following quarter, and published on the first working day of the calendar week following the calculation week.

Each price will only apply to emissions in CBAM goods imported into the EU during the quarter it relates to.

This early publication aims to reduce the risk of inconsistent or unofficial price estimates circulating in the market

The commission noted that although authorised CBAM declarants will only begin purchasing CBAM certificates from February 2027 (covering their 2026 imports) the commission starts calculating and publishing the four quarterly prices already in 2026.

This early publication aims to enhance transparency, provide stakeholders with timely information, and reduce the risk of inconsistent or unofficial price estimates circulating in the market, the commission stressed.

By making these prices available in advance, the commission establishes a clear and reliable reference point for all stakeholders, helping them plan ahead. A full overview of all 2026 price publication dates is available on the price table of the new CBAM page.