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CBAM for Cement & Clinker Imports

Understand your EU Carbon Border Adjustment obligations for cement, clinker, and cement-based articles. Check scope and estimate certificate costs instantly.

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0.76tCO₂e / tonne (default)
CN 2523Primary HS code
~8%of global CO₂ emissions

Which cement products are in scope?

CBAM Regulation (EU) 2023/956 covers the following goods in the cement sector:

CN CodeProductEmission factor range
2523 10Cement clinker0.83 – 0.89 tCO₂/t
2523 21White Portland cement0.70 – 0.85 tCO₂/t
2523 29Other Portland cement0.65 – 0.80 tCO₂/t
2523 30Aluminous cement0.80 – 1.10 tCO₂/t
2523 90Other hydraulic cements0.55 – 0.90 tCO₂/t
6810 – 6812Cement boards, slates, articlesVaries by product

Key CBAM rules for cement

Direct emissions only

Cement CBAM covers direct process emissions — CO₂ from limestone calcination and kiln fuel combustion. Indirect emissions from electricity are not currently included for this sector.

Clinker as a precursor

Clinker is the most carbon-intensive cement product (the kiln stage). If you import clinker and grind it in the EU, your CBAM obligation attaches to the clinker, not the finished cement.

Default vs. actual emissions

Use the EU Commission default (0.76 tCO₂/t for Portland cement) or submit verified actual emissions from your supplier using an accredited verifier. Actual emissions can be significantly lower for modern efficient kilns.

Country deductions

If your cement supplier pays a carbon price in the country of origin (e.g. Switzerland's ETS), you may deduct that cost from your CBAM obligation, provided you supply proof that the cost was not rebated at export.

Frequently asked questions

Which cement products are covered by CBAM?

CBAM covers clinker (CN 2523 10), Portland cement (CN 2523 21/29), aluminous cement (CN 2523 30), other hydraulic cements (CN 2523 90), and certain cement-based articles (CN 6810–6812). Pure lime, gypsum, and concrete ready-mix are not currently in scope.

What is the default emission factor for cement under CBAM?

The EU Commission's default for grey Portland cement is approximately 0.76 tCO₂e per tonne. Clinker is higher at ~0.83–0.89 tCO₂e/t. Importers who can provide accredited verification of actual emissions may use those lower values instead.

Do indirect electricity emissions apply to cement?

No. For cement, CBAM only covers direct emissions (calcination + fuel combustion). Electricity consumed in grinding is excluded from the scope for this sector.

When do full CBAM certificate obligations start for cement?

From 1 January 2026. During the transitional phase (Oct 2023 – Dec 2025), only quarterly reporting was required. From 2026, importers must purchase and surrender CBAM certificates by 31 May each year.

Estimate your cement CBAM cost now

Enter your import quantity and get an instant cost estimate based on the current EU ETS price.

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Other CBAM sectors

CBAM covers six carbon-intensive sectors. If your supply chain spans multiple sectors, check each one: