European Green Deal for SMEs | Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is reshaping global trade by placing a carbon price on imports of specific goods into the European Union. As CBAM rolls out, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in carbon-intensive industries - whether as direct exporters to the EU or as suppliers along global value chains - must prepare for both compliance demands and strategic opportunities.
While CBAM directly targets importers of materials such as steel, cement, and aluminum, its ripple effects will reach SMEs worldwide through increased reporting expectations, rising carbon-related costs, and growing pressure to demonstrate low-carbon practices. Recent developments include a proposed de minimis threshold to exempt importers of under 50 metric tons per year, and ongoing efforts by the European Commission to simplify compliance - both key areas of interest for SMEs navigating this transition.
Why this workshop matters
This workshop will provide SMEs with a practical and up-to-date understanding of CBAM and how to respond effectively - not just to meet compliance, but to build resilience and competitive edge in a low-carbon economy.
What you will learn:
- CBAM Demystified: A clear explanation of how CBAM works, what it covers, and what recent policy updates (like thresholds and simplifications) mean for SMEs.
- Impact Beyond the Border: Understand the implications for SMEs inside and outside the EU, including cost exposure, and customer expectations.
- Strategies for Compliance and Competitiveness: Get actionable guidance on preparing emissions data, managing risk, and using low-carbon practices as a lever for market access and business growth.
This workshop is part of the Sustainability Pathways Programme at the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship, and is included in the EU Green Deal series.
The event will be held online, on Zoom. Please register using the guest checkout option by clicking the button on the right-hand side (recommeded), or by creating an account. To finalise your registration, please do not forget to click on the 'Checkout' button.
The workshop will be conducted in English, with simultaneous translation available in Spanish, French, and Arabic.
14.00 – 14.05 Welcome
Momoko Takayama, Programme Officer, ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship
14.05 – 14.30 Introduction to CBAM
Luca Taschini, Professor, University of Edinburgh Business School
- Overview of CBAM: what is it and how does it work in practice?
- Implications for EU and non-EU SMEs that export goods falling under the European CBAM.
- What businesses should be thinking about, and what steps should they consider taking.
- Other CBAMs (e.g., UK CBAM) and its implications for SMEs globally.
- How businesses can find support and guidance to help them comply with EU CBAM.
14.30 – 14.50 Practical tools for CBAM compliance and supply chain readiness
Hendrik Schuldt, Managing Director, Carboneer
- Overview of CBAM Data Requirements and GHG Accounting
- Sourcing and Communicating CBAM Data Across the Supply Chain from suppliers to importers
- Integration into the CBAM Registry
- CBAM Cost Management and Certificate Handling
14.50 – 14.58 Q&A session
14.58 – 15.00 Closing
Key takeaways from the session and final remarks
