The General Directorate for Energy and Climate (DGEC) has published an information note for operators regarding applications for authorised CBAM declarant status and the simplification measures for the CBAM regulation proposed by the European Commission.
A dedicated platform for CBAM declarant status applications
Starting in early April, applications for authorised CBAM declarant status could be submitted via a dedicated IT platform: the final CBAM register. This status would be essential for the importation of products subject to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Simplified obligations for small importers
Among the European Commission's proposals is an exemption from the CBAM regulation for operators whose cumulative imports of goods in the steel, aluminium, cement, and nitrogen fertiliser sectors do not exceed 50 tonnes per year. These companies would thus be exempt from all CBAM obligations.
However, this exemption would not apply in cases of indirect customs representation or for electricity and hydrogen imports.
Prioritisation of CBAM declarant status applications
The DGEC specifies the criteria for access to the final CBAM register:
Applicants who imported more than 50 tons of CBAM products in 2024 or expect to import more than 50 tons in 2025 or 2026 would be given priority.
Those who imported between 10 and 50 tons in 2024 could access the final CBAM register, but their application would only be reviewed starting in the second half of 2024.
Finally, importers of less than 10 tons of CBAM products in 2024 would have their application denied.
Simplified Verification of Declarations from 2026
Another simplification measure: from 2026, companies using default values to declare their CO2 emissions would no longer be required to use an accredited verifier to certify their annual CBAM declarations.
Towards Final Adoption of These Simplifications
These provisions would still need to be submitted for a vote by European institutions before becoming fully applicable. In the meantime, the DGEC would recommend that affected operators continue submitting their quarterly reports in accordance with current CBAM regulation requirements.
