CBAM calculator: calculate the CBAM cost of aluminium imports
Use this CBAM calculator to work out what CBAM adds to the price of imported aluminium, by CN code and country of origin. You see the cost per tonne, per kilogram and for your whole order, based on the default values and benchmarks set by the European Commission for 2026 and the official quarterly certificate price.
If you buy your aluminium from Euralco, we take care of CBAM for you. As the importer, we handle the emissions data, the CBAM certificates and the annual CBAM declaration. The CBAM component is shown transparently in our quotation, and there is nothing further for you to arrange.
How to calculate the CBAM cost of aluminium
The CBAM cost of a shipment depends on four things: the CN code of the product, the country of origin, the number of tonnes and the certificate price in the quarter of import. Per tonne of product:
CBAM cost per tonne = certificate price × (default value × (1 + mark-up) − benchmark × CBAM factor × CSCF)
- Default value: the embedded emissions in tonnes of CO₂e per tonne of product, set by the European Commission per country and CN code.
- Mark-up: a surcharge on the default value of 10% in 2026, 20% in 2027 and 30% from 2028.
- Benchmark: the emissions per tonne of the most efficient EU producers, depending on the production route (primary or secondary aluminium).
- CBAM factor and CSCF: determine which share of the benchmark may be deducted as free allocation. In 2026 that is 97.5%.
Worked example. You import 20 tonnes of aluminium alloy plate of 6 mm or thicker (CN code 7606 12 99) from China in the second quarter of 2026:
- default value 4.120 × 1.10 = 4.532 t CO₂e per tonne;
- free allocation deduction 1.485 × 0.975 = 1.448 t CO₂e per tonne;
- 3.084 t CO₂e per tonne to cover, so 3.084 CBAM certificates per tonne;
- 3.084 × €75.28 = €232.17 per tonne, about €0.23 per kilogram;
- for 20 tonnes: approximately €4,643.
Only know the dimensions of the material? Calculate the weight first, then enter the tonnage in the CBAM calculator. Use our aluminium weight calculator for that.
What determines the CBAM cost?
Country of origin and production route
The biggest difference comes from the country of origin. The Commission assigns a production route to each country. Primary aluminium, made by electrolysis, has much higher emissions than secondary aluminium, made by remelting scrap. Secondary aluminium also has a much lower benchmark.
CBAM cost for plate (7606 12 99) and solid profiles (7604 29 90) at the Q2 2026 certificate price (€75.28):
| Country of origin | Route | Plate, € per tonne | Profile, € per tonne |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | primary | 232.17 | 294.60 |
| India | primary | 232.67 | 175.61 |
| Türkiye | primary | 115.74 | 200.20 |
| United Arab Emirates | primary | 111.27 | 74.25 |
| Taiwan | secondary | 84.37 | 47.64 |
| Other countries and territories | primary | 198.80 | 159.63 |
Product form (CN code)
The further the aluminium has been processed, the higher the default value tends to be. Plate, foil and profiles each have their own value per country, as do unwrought aluminium, wire, tubes and structural parts. Use the 8-digit CN code from your import declaration.
Year of import
Free allocation under the EU ETS is phased out until 2034, while the mark-up on the default values increases. As a result, the CBAM cost rises even at the same certificate price:
| Year | Mark-up | CBAM factor | Plate from China at €75.28 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10% | 97.5% | €232.17 per tonne |
| 2027 | 20% | 95.0% | €265.98 per tonne |
| 2028 | 30% | 90.0% | €302.59 per tonne |
In the CBAM calculator you can select 2027 or 2028 as a scenario to check contracts and project budgets.
CBAM certificate price 2026 by quarter
One CBAM certificate represents one tonne of CO₂e. For imports in 2026, the European Commission sets a price per quarter: the weighted average of the auction prices of EU ETS allowances in that quarter. That price applies to all CBAM goods imported in that quarter.
| Quarter of import | Published | Price per certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | 7 April 2026 | €75.36 |
| Q2 2026 | 6 July 2026 | €75.28 |
| Q3 2026 | 5 October 2026 | €82.32 |
| Q4 2026 | 4 January 2027 | not yet published |
From 2027 the Commission will set the price weekly. Certificates for imports in 2026 are bought from February 2027 and surrendered by 30 September 2027 at the latest, together with the first annual CBAM declaration. For aluminium you buy from Euralco, you do not need to buy, surrender or declare any certificates yourself: we do that as the importer.
You can follow the metal price itself on our aluminium price today page.
Default values or actual emissions
The CBAM calculator uses default values. These are deliberately on the cautious side, and the mark-up is added on top. A producer that has its emissions measured and checked by an accredited verifier can provide actual emissions data. That is often lower, and so is the CBAM cost. For projects and large volumes it pays to ask for verified emissions data when buying. For orders through Euralco we do this for you: we collect and check the emissions data from the producer, so you do not have to supply anything yourself.
For aluminium, only direct emissions count under CBAM. Emissions from the electricity used are not included.
CBAM cost when buying imported aluminium
The 50-tonne annual threshold applies per importer, for all CBAM goods combined. Once an importer exceeds it, the obligations apply to all of that year's imports, not just the part above the threshold. If you buy aluminium from an importer above the threshold, the CBAM component is therefore included in the price, even for an order of a few tonnes.
CBAM cost in your quotation: we handle the rest
As the importer, Euralco takes on all CBAM obligations for the aluminium we supply:
- requesting and checking the emissions data from the producer;
- buying and surrendering the CBAM certificates on time;
- preparing the annual CBAM declaration;
- showing the CBAM component transparently in our quotation.
That way you buy imported aluminium without extra CBAM paperwork and without surprises afterwards.
Want to know the CBAM component for your order? Contact us about your order. Read more about how we handle CBAM for you on our CBAM and aluminium page.
CBAM cost: frequently asked questions
What is CBAM?
CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) is the EU's carbon border mechanism. Importers of aluminium, steel and cement, among other goods, pay for the CO₂ emitted during production outside the EU through CBAM certificates. This means imported material pays the same carbon price as material produced in the EU under the Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The definitive phase has applied since 1 January 2026.
How do I calculate the CBAM cost of aluminium?
Multiply the default value for your CN code and country by 1 plus the mark-up, deduct the benchmark multiplied by the CBAM factor, and multiply the result by the certificate price and the number of tonnes. The CBAM calculator on this page does this for each order line.
What does a CBAM certificate cost in 2026?
The price is €75.36 per certificate for Q1 2026, €75.28 for Q2 2026 and €82.32 for Q3 2026. The Q4 price will be published on 4 January 2027. From 2027 the price will be set weekly.
When are CBAM certificates bought and surrendered?
Certificates for imports in 2026 are bought from February 2027. They must be surrendered by 30 September 2027 at the latest, together with the CBAM declaration for 2026.
Does the 50-tonne threshold apply if I buy through a supplier?
The threshold applies to the importer, meaning whoever releases the aluminium for free circulation in the EU. If you buy from an importer that exceeds 50 tonnes a year, the CBAM cost is included in the price, regardless of the size of your own order.
Do I have to buy CBAM certificates myself if I buy aluminium from Euralco?
No. Euralco is the importer and takes on all CBAM obligations: the emissions data, the certificates and the annual declaration. You receive no CBAM paperwork; the CBAM component is shown transparently in our quotation.
What is the difference between primary and secondary aluminium under CBAM?
Primary aluminium is made from alumina by electrolysis, secondary aluminium by remelting scrap. Secondary aluminium has a much lower default value and a lower benchmark. The Commission determines per country which route applies to the default values.
What is the mark-up on the default values?
The mark-up is a surcharge on the default value: 10% in 2026, 20% in 2027 and 30% from 2028. It encourages the use of actual, verified emissions data.
My country of origin is not on the list. What now?
If the Commission has not set a specific default value for a country, the value for other countries and territories applies. Select "Other country (not listed)" in the CBAM calculator.
Is aluminium from Norway, Iceland or Switzerland covered by CBAM?
No. Goods from Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are exempt, because these countries take part in the EU ETS or a system linked to it.
Do emissions from electricity count for aluminium?
No. For aluminium, only the direct emissions of the production process count under CBAM.
How accurate is this CBAM calculator?
This CBAM calculator uses the default values as corrected in July 2026, the benchmarks and the official certificate prices of the European Commission. The result is an indication. With verified emissions data from the producer, the actual amount may be lower. No rights can be derived from the result and it does not replace a CBAM declaration. For an order through Euralco, we calculate the CBAM component for you based on the producer's data.
Sources: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2621, Annex I, as corrected by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1740; Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2620; Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as amended by Regulation (EU) 2025/2083; European Commission publication of CBAM certificate prices.
Global sourcing and supply
At Euralco Europe B.V. we believe that quality, security of supply and competitive pricing are the result of a strong international supply chain. That is why we source our aluminium worldwide through our international production network of carefully selected producers. We always look for the best option for our customers, whether that means material from the Netherlands, elsewhere in Europe or other parts of the world.
Our international production network
Through our international production network we can:
- Extrude profiles in the 6000 and 7000 series (including 6061, 6082, 7010, 7075 and 7175), custom-designed to our customers' requirements.
- Supply plate and coil from production, including special widths and stress-relieved grades for yacht building and shipbuilding.
- Process coils by decoiling, slitting and cutting to length, so we deliver exactly the dimensions our customers need in their production.
- Offer advanced processing through specialised service centres, such as laser-cut kits, machined parts and surface treatments.
By working with both large international producers and specialised niche producers, we combine the advantages of scale with the flexibility of custom production.
Contact us today to find out how Euralco can support your projects with high-quality aluminium plate and extrusions.
Euralco Europe B.V. is a member of the Dutch Aluminium Association (DAA), an industry group run by and for its members, and of Koninklijke Metaalunie, the Dutch association for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies.
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