CBAM
‍Cost Calculator

Model your CBAM cost exposure per tonne in seconds. Compare suppliers, stress-test benchmarks, and forecast costs from 2026–2034 all in one place.
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How to calculate your CBAM cost exposure

As an importer of CBAM goods to the EU, you calculate costs using the CBAM formula. Here's an overview, in plain language, of what goes into it.

Emissions Intensity

The producer's direct embedded emissions intensity (tCO₂e/t) of their CBAM goods. For aluminium and steel, only direct emissions apply; for fertiliser and cement, both direct and indirect. Without third-party verification, punitive country-level default values are used instead..

CBAM Benchmarks

The emissions threshold above which CBAM costs kick in. Set by EU benchmarks or installation defaults, and decreasing over time as free EU ETS allowances are phased out. The lower the benchmark, the higher the cost exposure.

Carbon Price Paid Overseas

Any carbon price already paid in the country of origin covering the emissions intensity of the goods. This is deducted from the net CBAM obligation, preventing double-counting and reducing the final cost for producers in countries with their own carbon pricing.

Phase-in Schedule

CBAM costs phase in gradually from 2026 to 2034 as free EU ETS allowances are withdrawn. The percentage applied increases each year, meaning exposure grows significantly over time even if emissions intensity stays flat.

Running this formula manually is HARD

Accurately calculating CBAM costs across multiple suppliers, CN codes, and production routes is both difficult and time-consuming to do manually. Our CBAM Calculator automates default values, benchmarks, and phase-in rates, letting you model costs per tonne and compare suppliers in seconds, not spreadsheets.
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HOW IT WORKS

From inputs to cost clarity in four easy steps

1. Select your inputs

Enter your CN code, country of origin, supplier, production route, and tonnage. Everything you need to model a specific trade in seconds.

2. Automatic data lookup

The calculator pulls in global default values, supplier emissions intensities, EU benchmarks, and phase-in adjustments. No manual research needed.

3. Model scenarios

Adjust assumptions around benchmarks, emissions intensity, and carbon price to stress-test your exposure. Compare suppliers side by side to inform procurement decisions.

4. Get instant results

See your annual CBAM cost per tonne from 2026 to 2034, total landed cost impact, and the difference between using default values and primary supplier data.
WHAT THE CALCULATOR DOES

Cost clarity in seconds, not spreadsheets

CarbonChain's CBAM Calculator automates all the complex formulas for you. Input your CN code, origin country, and tonnage and get instant cost projections with full scenario modelling.
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Instant cost modelling

Supplier comparison

Scenario planning

Default vs Actual data

Integration with all our Connect CBAM modules

BUILT FOR YOUR ROLE

A calculator designed for both producers and importers

For importers, traders & intermediaries

Understand your CBAM cost exposure per tonne and compare supplier options before committing to contracts.

  • Instant cost insight by supplier and country of origin
  • One-click supplier comparison for procurement decisions
  • Model multiple scenarios across years and carbon price assumptions
  • Understand maximum default cost when supplier data is missing
  • Connect to CarbonChain's Supplier Catalogue Module for real emissions data
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For producers

See how your emissions intensity compares to benchmarks and peers, and how it impacts your EU customers' costs.

  • Understand how EU benchmarks impact your competitiveness
  • Model your emissions intensity versus peers
  • Identify cost-reduction opportunities in your supply chain
  • Prepare for customer negotiations with credible projections
  • Use alongside CarbonChain's Installations & Data Sharing Modules for compliant CBAM data
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Proven methodology, comprehensive platform data

35% of all steel imports into the EU supported

40% of all aluminium imports into the EU supported

>2,200 CBAM declarations done with CarbonChain

€950M in CBAM penalties avoided

Model your CBAM costs in seconds, not spreadsheets

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