CBAM Reporting for Aluminium Importers
Complete guide to CBAM compliance for aluminium imports. CN codes, emission factors, electricity grid factors, and free allocation — explained clearly.
Aluminium Importers Face Unique Challenges
High Indirect Emissions
Aluminium smelting is extremely electricity-intensive, making indirect emissions a major cost driver.
Grid Factor Variability
Electricity grid emission factors vary dramatically by country — from 0.02 (Norway) to 0.85 (Poland).
No Indirect Exemption
Unlike steel, aluminium does NOT get indirect emission exemption for free allocation. Full emissions count.
Complex Calculation
Combining direct smelting emissions with country-specific grid factors requires precise data.
CBAM-Covered Aluminium CN Codes
| CN Code | Product | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| 7601 | Unwrought aluminium | 1.423 tCO₂e/t |
| 7604 | Bars, rods, profiles | 1.485 tCO₂e/t |
| 7606 | Plates, sheets, strips | 1.485 tCO₂e/t |
| 7607 | Foil | 1.599 tCO₂e/t |
| 7608 | Tubes and pipes | 1.493 tCO₂e/t |
| 7610 | Structures | 1.493 tCO₂e/t |
How CbamTrack Helps Aluminium Importers
Automatic Grid Factor Lookup
CbamTrack applies the correct grid emission factor based on the country of production. No manual lookup needed.
Full Emissions Reporting
Both direct and indirect emissions are calculated and reported correctly for aluminium products.
One-Click Reports
Generate quarterly CBAM declarations with all required fields, compliant with IR 2025/2621.
Audit-Ready Output
PDF and XML export formats accepted by EU competent authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which aluminium CN codes are covered by CBAM?▼
CBAM covers aluminium products under CN Chapter 76. This includes unwrought aluminium (7601), bars and rods (7604), plates and sheets (7606), foil (7607), tubes (7608), and structures (7610). Over 20 CN codes are covered.
Are aluminium indirect emissions exempt?▼
No. Unlike steel, aluminium does NOT get indirect emission exemption for free allocation. Both direct and indirect emissions are included in your chargeable emissions calculation. This is why aluminium CBAM costs are typically higher than steel.
What is the aluminium benchmark?▼
The benchmark for unwrought aluminium (CN 7601) is 1.423 tCO₂e/tonne under IR 2025/2620. Complex aluminium products have higher benchmarks (1.485-1.599) due to precursor emissions.
How does electricity grid factor affect my CBAM cost?▼
Electricity grid factor is critical for aluminium because smelting is extremely energy-intensive. A country with a clean grid (Norway: 0.02 tCO₂e/MWh) results in much lower indirect emissions than a coal-heavy grid (Poland: 0.85 tCO₂e/MWh).
What is the difference between direct and indirect emissions for aluminium?▼
Direct emissions come from the smelting process itself (anode consumption, process emissions). Indirect emissions come from electricity consumption. For aluminium, indirect emissions are typically 30-50% of total emissions.
How can I reduce my aluminium CBAM liability?▼
Two main strategies: (1) Use actual emission data from your supplier instead of default values — this can reduce costs by 10-30%. (2) Source from countries with clean electricity grids (Norway, Iceland, Canada) where indirect emissions are minimal.
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