From administrative obligation to direct cost

CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) is no longer just a regulatory framework or an administrative obligation, it is becoming a direct cost that will significantly impact the competitiveness of companies in the European market.

From 2026, the cost difference between companies that have verified data and those that do not have reliable information can amount to over 70 euros per ton of product. The reason for this lies in the fact that, in the absence of precise data, so-called “default” values are applied, which represent the most unfavorable and most expensive scenario.

In this way, industry competitiveness no longer depends exclusively on production capacities and efficiency, but also on the quality of data, its verification, and the degree of cooperation within the entire supply chain.

Expert dialogue on CBAM challenges

These very challenges were discussed at the expert meeting “CBAM 2026”, held at the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce, which gathered representatives of industry, verification bodies, and the expert public. The focus of the discussion was on the practical implications of implementing CBAM regulations and the readiness of companies to respond to new requirements.

The meeting provided a forum for exchanging experiences and identifying key points in the value chain where improvements are needed in collecting and verifying emissions data.

Unipromet on the importance of the supply chain

Unipromet company participated in the event through the presentation of our colleague Marija Majstorović, ESG manager, who pointed out one of the key practical challenges in CBAM implementation.

“It’s like a relay race – you depend on what the supplier before you did,” it was emphasized during the presentation, highlighting the interdependence of all participants in the supply chain.

Joint preparation as a prerequisite for success

The conclusions from the meeting confirm that preparation for CBAM depends not only on companies’ internal systems but also on the quality of cooperation and transparency throughout the entire value chain.

In the coming period, the key challenge for the industry will be precisely the establishment of reliable mechanisms for data exchange and verification, as well as strengthening cooperation between suppliers, manufacturers, and end-users.