UK CBAM 2027: what's coming, and how it compares to the EU
The UK is developing its own CBAM, due in 2027. Scope and design overlap with the EU version but there are differences. Here's where things stand.
Published 19/10/2026 · Facts checked on 2026-10-18
Answer box
The United Kingdom is developing its own CBAM, with the stated goal of being operational in 2027. It will apply to imports into the UK of goods from sectors that overlap with — but are not identical to — the EU list. UK importers will have obligations distinct from any EU obligation they already hold. The exact UK sectors and timeline are still being finalised in the legislation.
Expected design differences
- Sectors: UK consultation signals iron, steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen, and possibly glass and ceramics (which EU does not currently cover).
- Mechanism: a tax-based system, rather than tradable certificates.
- Interaction with EU: a UK-manufactured good exported to the EU may still be in EU CBAM scope depending on the final UK ETS-ETS linkage.
What UK importers should do today
- Register and track early: start supplier data collection on the same timeline as EU importers, since the data points substantially overlap.
- Watch for the final UK design: scope and start date can still shift.
Does CBAMWorks support UK CBAM?
The supplier data collection and emission calculation apply identically
to UK and EU CBAM. Export formats and declaration-specific features for
UK CBAM will be added once the design is finalised. Join the waitlist on
/contact to be told when UK CBAM is live.