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The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) entered into force on 1 January 2026. According to the European Commission, the launch was supported by coordinated deployment across all EU Member States, with the CBAM Registry integrated into national customs import systems, TARIC and the EU Customs Single Window. This integration enables real-time data exchange, automated validation of authorised CBAM declarants and continuity of import procedures at the EU’s external borders.

As of 1 January 2026, customs authorities are enforcing the validation of CBAM authorisations for goods subject to CBAM prior to release for free circulation. This includes monitoring of the 50-tonne threshold and the application of facilitation measures for SME importers in line with the Omnibus package. The Commission considers that the roll-out of the definitive CBAM Registry and its integration with upgraded national customs systems under the Union Customs Code demonstrate a high level of technical preparedness by Commission services, national competent authorities, customs administrations and economic operators.

Initial operational data published by the Commission show that, by 7 January 2026, more than 12,000 economic operators had applied for CBAM authorisation, with over 4,100 already granted authorised declarant status. Between 1 and 7 January 2026, more than 10,400 import declarations covering CBAM goods were automatically validated in real time through integrated customs systems.

During the first reporting window, from 1 to 6 January 2026, CBAM declarations covered approximately 1.66 million tonnes of goods. Iron and steel accounted for the vast majority of volumes, followed by fertilisers, cement and aluminium, while no volumes were reported for electricity and hydrogen. The main countries of origin 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.

The Commission has reiterated its call on economic operators that have not yet applied for CBAM authorisation to do so as soon as possible via the CBAM Registry, in order to ensure uninterrupted compliance and access to automated validation processes.

CLECAT welcomes the launch of CBAM and recognises the significant efforts made by both authorities and its members to adapt to an exceptionally large and complex package CBAM-related legislation published at the end of 2025. In close cooperation with Member State customs administrations and national competent authorities, logistics service providers and customs intermediaries are actively supporting smooth day-to-day implementation at the EU’s external borders.

In this context, CLECAT also welcomes the recent publication of a new, targeted FAQ clarifying an Article in one of the Commission’s new CBAM amendment proposals. At the same time, CLECAT continues to stress the importance of an urgent update to the main CBAM FAQ supporting the implementation of legislation that is already in force.