When can UK importers register for CBAM?
Registration for the UK CBAM opens on 1 January 2028, a year after the charge starts. Importers liable during 2027 have until 31 January 2028 to register through a Government Gateway account. After that, they have 30 days from becoming liable. Records must be kept from the first import.
What the importer must give HMRC
- Name, contact details, business address and type.
- EORI number, and VAT number if registered.
- The date registration was triggered.
- The estimated weight of CBAM goods to be imported in each sector over the next 12 months.
Between 2027 and registration
CBAM applies to goods imported from 1 January 2027 even though registration opens later. Importers must keep all records of those imports so they can register and file when the service opens.
What this means for you
Expect UK buyers to ask in 2027 for weight forecasts by sector and for your plan to supply verified figures. The first return, for the whole of 2027, is due on 31 May 2028.
What Senseible does here
Senseible can give a buyer a monthly tonnage and emissions history by product from your records. We build the figure from your records and check every figure in-house; for the UK it must then be verified by a verifier accredited for UK CBAM. Have your own verifier? Send it to them.
Sources: HMRC, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): Policy summary (updated 2 November 2026), HMRC, Keeping records for CBAM
Last reviewed 2026-11-02.