European Parliament backs CBAM changes to ease admin burden for 90% of importers

LONDON (ICIS)–The European Parliament has voted to support changes to the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) to ease the administrative burden on 90% of importers.

MEPs on Thursday voted to adopt a new “de minimis” mass threshold of 50 tonnes, which will exempt most importers who import only small quantities of CBAM goods, such as SMEs and individuals.

At the same time, environmental objectives would remain achievable because 99% of total CO2 emissions from imports of iron, steel, aluminium, cement and fertilizers would still be covered by the rules, the European Parliament said in a statement.

“This approach enables us to simplify matters for companies without dismantling or weakening the CBAM,” said rapporteur Antonio Decaro, who is chair of the environment, climate and food safety committee.

“We will continue to work quickly to bring legal clarity and certainty to all CBAM stakeholders,” Decaro added.

The European Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with the European Council on finalizing the legislation, it said.