Parliament supports proposals to simplify EU carbon leakage instrument

Parliament supports proposals to simplify EU carbon leakage instrument   Press Releases   Plenary session   ENVI   2 hours ago     New de minimis mass threshold of 50 tonnes would exempt 90% of importers from EU carbon border adjustment mechanism rules   Environmental ambition maintained as 99% of CO2 emissions from iron, steel, aluminium and cement imports would still be covered   The proposed changes to the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) are part of simplification efforts to reduce the administrative burden for SMEs and occasional importers. Parliament today endorsed the Commission’s proposal, which is a part of the “Omnibus I” simplification package presented on 26 February 2025. MEPs adopted only technical amendments for clarification purposes and supported a new de minimis mass threshold of 50 tonnes. This would exempt the vast majority (90%) of importers − mainly small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals − who import only small quantities of CBAM goods. The CBAM environmental objectives remain achievable, as 99% of total CO2 emissions from imports of iron, steel, aluminium, cement and fertilisers would still be covered by the rules. For the imports covered, the changes also simplify the authorisation process for declarants (parties wishing to import goods subject to the CBAM), the calculation of emissions and the management of CBAM financial liability, while strengthening anti-abuse provisions. Quote After the vote,...