The European Commission has announced that for 2026, prices for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificates will be set on a quarterly basis—meaning four separate prices, one for each quarter. 

“Each price will only apply to emissions in CBAM goods imported into the Union during the quarter it relates to,” the Commission said. 

Quarterly prices will be calculated as the average of EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) auction clearing prices, “ensuring a fair and consistent alignment with the EU carbon market.” 

Although authorised CBAM declarants will not start purchasing certificates until February 2027, covering their 2026 imports, the Commission will begin calculating and publishing the four quarterly prices in 2026.  

“This early publication aims to enhance transparency, provide stakeholders with timely information, and reduce the risk of inconsistent or unofficial price estimates circulating in the market,” the Commission explained. 

By releasing prices in advance, the Commission hopes to give businesses a clearer picture of costs and help stabilize the CBAM market ahead of its first sales.