EU publishes first CBAM certificate price for Q1 2026
Summary
The European Commission published the first quarterly CBAM certificate price for Q1 2026, calculated as the average of EU ETS auction clearing prices. The Commission will publish four quarterly prices in 2026 to provide transparency for stakeholders ahead of the certificate purchase obligation beginning in February 2027. From 2027 onwards, prices will be published weekly rather than quarterly.
What changed
The European Commission has published the first CBAM certificate price for Q1 2026, establishing the methodology of averaging EU ETS auction clearing prices. This quarterly publication schedule covers all four quarters of 2026, providing stakeholders with advance price information. While authorised CBAM declarants will not purchase certificates until February 2027 (covering 2026 imports), the Commission is publishing prices early to enhance transparency and allow market participants to plan their carbon costs.
Importers of CBAM goods (steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizers, electricity, hydrogen) should monitor these quarterly price publications to budget for compliance costs. From 2027, prices will shift to weekly publication, requiring more frequent monitoring. The early publication of prices reduces reliance on unofficial market estimates and provides a reliable reference point for financial planning.
What to do next
- Check the 2026 CBAM price table to understand quarterly pricing
- Note that certificate purchases begin February 2027 for 2026 imports
- Prepare for weekly price publications from 2027 onwards
Archived snapshot
Apr 8, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
For 2026, CBAM certificate prices will be determined on a quarterly basis. Therefore, there will be four prices in 2026 (one per quarter). Each price will only apply to emissions in CBAM goods imported into the Union during the quarter it relates to. Each quarterly price will be calculated by the Commission 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 only begin purchasing CBAM certificates from February 2027 (covering their 2026 imports) the Commission starts calculating and publishing the four quarterly prices already 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.
By making these prices available in advance, the Commission establishes a clear and reliable reference point for all stakeholders, helping them plan ahead. A full overview of all 2026 price publication dates is available on the price table of the new CBAM page.
From 2027 onwards, the Commission will calculate and publish the price of CBAM certificates on a weekly basis.
Details
Publication date 7 April 2026 Author Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union
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