13 May 2025, the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Climate Change and Food Safety 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 support a new de minimis mass threshold of 50 tonnes, which 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’s environment goal is maintained, 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 authorisation of 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.
Next steps
MEPs adopted the text by 85 votes in favour, 1 against and with 1 abstention. On 22 May 2025, Parliament as a whole is scheduled to adopt its mandate for negotiations with Council on the final shape of the legislation.
Background
The EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism is the EU’s tool to equalise the price of carbon paid for EU products operating under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) with that of imported goods, and to encourage higher climate ambition in non-EU countries.
In early 2026, the Commission will assess whether to extend the scope of the CBAM to other ETS sectors at risk of carbon leakage.
For more information, please see here.