The CBAM Portal: A New Tool for Third-Country Operators
The European Commission has unveiled the CBAM Portal for Third-Country Operators of Installations (O3CI), marking a significant step in implementing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Definitive System. This portal, operational since January 1, is designed to streamline compliance with CBAM regulations for non-EU operators by providing a secure platform to interact with the European Union’s climate compliance framework.
The portal’s core features include operator registration, submission of installation details, and secure communication of emissions data. Non-EU operators can also share operator and emissions-related information with EU Declarants through the CBAM Transitional Portal. Additionally, the system allows operators to report carbon pricing paid in their countries of origin to the European Commission and National Competent Authorities (NCAs). Access requires registration via the EU Login system, with operators needing Commission approval to gain full functionality.
Access Requirements and Portal Usage
Access to the CBAM Portal is primarily contingent upon trading with a country within the EU ETS framework. Operators must register through the EU Login system, selecting the O3CI section within the portal specifically designed for non-EU operators. To complete the registration, operators need to obtain the necessary credentials from a representative in the country where trade is conducted.
The portal’s operation and data entry process closely mirror those of the EU portal. Sections such as installation details and emissions data follow a similar structure. However, operators using their own reporting Excel tools instead of the EU’s standardized Excel template must manually define system boundaries within the portal to ensure compliance.
Non-EU companies can create accounts within the CBAM Portal to upload data related to the direct and indirect specific embedded emissions of products exported to the EU. These data entries must be provided separately for each product and installation. Operators are required to have the Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number of their EU-based customers to share CBAM-related data. Once the exporter grants access, EU customers can directly view this information in their CBAM Portal accounts. Exporters also retain control over how much information they share with the public versus individual customers. GDPR regulations are strictly followed to protect data shared within the portal.
Operators of non-EU installations may provide data about their facilities, including parameters for both direct and indirect emissions. Declarants must share their EORI with their suppliers for this data to be accessible in the Declarant Portal. When filling in the Emissions tab for goods, new links to “Search in Third Country Installations registry” have been introduced. Declarants remain responsible for the final accuracy of their reports, regardless of the source of data.
Information that the operator must provide
Includes the data to be communicated to the reporting declarant:
- Installation data, including identification and location details for the operator’s installation, and contact details for the operator’s authorized representative.
- The production processes and routes under each aggregated goods category at the installation.
- For each aggregated goods category or separately for each good by CN code:
- The direct and indirect specific embedded emissions of each good; and for SEE indirect, details on how the emission factor was determined and the information source used.
- Information on data quality and methods (calculation-based, measurement-based, other) used for determining embedded emissions, and whether this was based fully on monitoring, or if default values were used.
- If default values were used, a short description explaining why these were used instead of actual data.
- Information on additional sector-specific reporting parameters for goods produced, if required.
- If applicable, information on a carbon price due, and separately for any precursors obtained from other installations, by the precursors’ country of origin.
- Total emissions of the installation, including:
- Activity data and calculation factors for each source stream used.
- Emissions of each emission source monitored using a measurement-based methodology and emissions determined by other methods.
- If applicable, any CO2 imports or exports to other installations.
- A ‘heat balance’ of imported, produced, consumed, and exported measurable heat, and similarly balances for waste gases or electricity.
- A list of all relevant goods by CN code produced by the installation, including precursors not covered by separate production processes.
- For precursor goods:
- The quantity received from elsewhere.
- Their specific direct and indirect embedded emissions (as reported by other operators).
- The quantity used in each production process, excluding precursor goods produced in the same installation.
- For attributed direct and indirect emissions: information on how the attributed emissions of each production process were calculated, the activity level, and attributed emissions of each production process.
- A short description of the installation, covering:
- Relevant and non-relevant (out of scope) production processes.
- The main production processes taking place at the installation and any production processes not covered for CBAM purposes.
- The main elements of the monitoring methodology being used.
- Measures taken to improve data quality, including any form of verification applied during the definitive period.
- Information on the electricity emissions factor in the power purchase agreement, where appropriate.
Conclusion
The CBAM Portal represents a significant step forward in improving transparency and regulatory alignment for non-EU operators engaging with the EU’s climate compliance system. By providing a platform for secure communication, emissions reporting, and carbon pricing disclosures, the portal simplifies compliance and supports the objectives of the CBAM framework. However, despite this development, it remains impossible for users to perform the necessary calculations directly on the portal. These calculations must still be carried out using the Excel file, which raises questions about the portal’s practical usability and completeness as a tool for compliance. Operators are advised to understand the portal’s requirements and limitations to ensure proper adherence to the system.
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