Your UK buyer asked for CBAM data: what UK CBAM means for suppliers

The UK is introducing its own carbon border charge. If you sell aluminium or steel to UK customers, expect a second set of requests.

Reviewed by the Carbon Passport compliance team, Singapore. Updated and checked against official EU sources on 28 September 2026. Rules change often; we update this page when they do.

Quick answer

UK CBAM applies to imports from 1 January 2027 across aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, and iron and steel. UK importers must register once covered imports reach £50,000 over a rolling 12 months, with the first return due by 31 May 2028. Label UK data separately from EU data.

What this request is

A request from a UK importer for the embedded emissions of the goods you sell them, similar to an EU CBAM request but for the UK's own scheme.

Why your buyer is asking

UK CBAM applies to imports from 1 January 2027. It covers five sectors: aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, and iron and steel, but not electricity. UK importers must register with HMRC once covered imports reach £50,000 over a rolling 12 months, or are expected to within 30 days, and the first return and payment are due by 31 May 2028. The importer pays, but it needs emissions data from you.

What to send

  1. Embedded emissions per tonne for each product, labelled as prepared for UK CBAM
  2. The method and period used
  3. Precursor information
  4. Whether the data has been verified

Be careful about

  • Assuming EU and UK CBAM figures are interchangeable. Check the UK method and scope
  • Scrap codes: certain aluminium and steel scrap codes are excluded in the UK
  • Different reporting periods: UK CBAM starts a year after the EU definitive regime

A reply you can adapt

Dear [name],

Thank you for your request regarding UK CBAM from 1 January 2027. We already prepare emissions data for EU CBAM and will provide figures for [products] prepared under the UK rules.

Please confirm the commodity codes you declare our goods under and your preferred format. We expect to send data by [date].

Kind regards,
[name]

Keep a copy of everything you send. The same buyer will ask again next year, and other buyers will ask for the same data.

Got a request you're not sure about?

Send us what your buyer sent. We'll tell you what they need and what it will take, free, within one week.

Send your request

Frequently asked questions

When does UK CBAM start?

UK CBAM applies to imports from 1 January 2027. The first return and payment are due by 31 May 2028.

Which sectors does UK CBAM cover?

Aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, and iron and steel. Unlike the EU, it doesn't cover electricity.

Can I send my EU CBAM data to UK buyers?

It's a good starting point, but check the UK method and scope. Label figures for the scheme they were prepared for.

Sources

This guide explains the rules in plain language. It isn't legal advice; see our disclaimer. Always check the current official texts and your buyer's instructions.

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