The European Commission begins consultations on the rules of trade in CBAM certificates
The European Commission has launched public consultations on the draft implementation regulation in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/956, which sets out detailed rules governing the sale and repurchase of Carbon Dioxide Emission Control Mechanism (CBAM) certificates, the operation of a common central platform, applicable fees and the procedure for interaction between the platform and the CBAM registry.
Starting in February 2027, authorized CBAM applicants will purchase CBAM certificates through a common central platform operated by the European Commission in cooperation with member States in accordance with the agreement that entered into force on December 16, 2025.
The CBAM registry and the common central platform will perform separate functions.
According to the draft regulations, the CBAM Registry and the common central platform will perform separate functions.
The CBAM Registry will serve as an electronic system for filing CBAM declarations and managing the issuance, storage, return, and cancellation of CBAM certificates.
A single central platform will be solely responsible for financial transactions related to the purchase and repurchase of CBAM certificates, including payment processing and settlements. According to the Commission, this separation is aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening digital security and reducing unnecessary access to data.
Member States are allowed to sell certificates without quantitative restrictions
Member States will sell and redeem CBAM certificates exclusively through their designated competent authorities.
Unlike the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), CBAM will not function as an emission control and trading system. Consequently, there will be no restrictions on the number of certificates that Member States can sell, and they will not be allowed to delay or restrict sales. Each certificate will be assigned exclusively to the applicant for purchase and will have a unique identification number and will not be transferable or tradable.
The draft resolution establishes purchase and redemption procedures
To purchase CBAM certificates, authorized declarants must submit a purchase request through the CBAM registry specifying from 1 to 99,999 certificates, as well as the requirements of the current certificate price, payments and the total amount of the payment. Each request is assigned a unique identification number that cannot be changed after sending, although it can be revoked before the payment is completed. The certificates will be created in the applicant's CBAM account only after the unified central platform confirms receipt of the payment.
Authorized CBAM applicants are generally allowed to submit one request.