Carbon Markets
EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
Understanding carbon border tariffs and their global impact
About this course
Why this course exists
A comprehensive course on the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), covering its design, scope, implementation timeline, reporting obligations, calculation methodologies, and implications for global trade and climate policy.
What you will learn
After this course you will be able to
- Determine whether your company falls under CBAM as an importer or producer
- Calculate embedded emissions for CBAM goods using actual data and default values
- Submit a CBAM quarterly report through the transitional registry without errors
- Plan for the definitive period when CBAM certificates must be surrendered
Course content
5 modules · 20 lessons
Walk through the modules in order or jump to a specific lesson. Each lesson is a real chapter you can open and start reading immediately.
Module 1·4 lessons
Why CBAM Exists
Carbon Leakage and Border Carbon Adjustments
- 0.15 min read
Carbon Leakage: The Problem CBAM Solves
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Recitals 1-12; EU ETS Directive 2003/87/EC, Art. 10a
- 0.25 min read
Border Carbon Adjustments: Theory and Design
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Recitals 13-24; WTO GATT Article XX
- 0.35 min read
The EU ETS and CBAM Connection
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 1, Art. 21-22; EU ETS Directive 2003/87/EC, Art. 10a
- 0.45 min read
Global Carbon Pricing Landscape
World Bank State and Trends of Carbon Pricing (2024)
Module 2·4 lessons
CBAM Regulation Deep Dive
Scope, Products, and Obligations
- 1.15 min read
Scope: Which Products Are Covered
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 2, Annex I; CBAM Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1773, Art. 1-2
- 1.25 min read
Who Must Comply: Importers and Declarants
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 4-8; CBAM Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1773, Art. 3-5
- 1.36 min read
CBAM Certificates: Pricing and Surrender
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 21-28; EC CBAM Guidance Documents (2023-2025)
- 1.45 min read
Interaction with EU ETS Free Allowances
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 31; EU ETS Directive 2003/87/EC, Art. 10a(1a)
Module 3·4 lessons
Calculating Embedded Emissions
Measurement, Reporting, and Verification
- 2.15 min read
Direct and Indirect Embedded Emissions
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 3, Annex III; CBAM Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1773, Annex II
- 2.26 min read
Actual Emissions vs Default Values
CBAM Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1773, Art. 4-6, Annex III; EC CBAM Guidance Documents (2023-2025)
- 2.36 min read
Complex Goods and Precursor Materials
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Annex III, Sections 2-3; CBAM Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1773, Annex II
- 2.46 min read
Verification Requirements
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 10; CBAM Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1773, Art. 7-8
Module 4·4 lessons
Implementation and Compliance
Timeline, Reporting, and Practical Steps
- 3.15 min read
Transitional Period: October 2023 to December 2025
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 32-37; CBAM Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1773, Art. 9-15
- 3.25 min read
Definitive Period: From January 2026
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 6, Art. 22; EC CBAM Guidance Documents (2023-2025)
- 3.35 min read
The CBAM Registry and IT Systems
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 14-15; CBAM Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1773, Art. 16-17
- 3.46 min read
Third-Country Carbon Price Deductions
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 9, Annex III Section 5; EC CBAM Guidance Documents (2023-2025)
Module 5·4 lessons
Trade, Geopolitics, and Future Outlook
Global Implications of CBAM
- 4.15 min read
Impact on Trading Partners and Exporters
World Bank State and Trends of Carbon Pricing (2024); EC Impact Assessment SWD(2021) 643
- 4.26 min read
WTO Compatibility and Legal Challenges
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Recitals 21-24; WTO GATT Article XX; EC FAQ on CBAM
- 4.36 min read
Other Countries' Carbon Border Measures
World Bank State and Trends of Carbon Pricing (2024); EC FAQ on CBAM
- 4.46 min read
Future Scope Expansion and Evolution
CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956, Art. 30; EC FAQ on CBAM; World Bank State and Trends of Carbon Pricing (2024)
