ACEA: CBAM implementation at risk amid regulatory delays
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has warned that with just two months remaining before the final implementation phase of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in 2026, the continued absence of key legislation is creating serious uncertainty.
In a statement issued in Brussels, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) said that automotive producers have already devoted significant resources to CBAM reporting and are preparing to fully comply once the mechanism enters into force. However, the association warned that with CBAM charges due to apply from January 2026, many critical implementation details remain unknown, creating growing concern across the sector.
According to ACEA, the automotive industry is among the sectors most affected by CBAM. European manufacturers import large volumes of steel and aluminium, and accurate reporting of embedded carbon emissions in these materials is essential for the mechanism’s proper functioning.
ACEA underlined that the European Commission has yet to publish guidance on key elements such as emission calculation methodologies, default values, the sale and repurchase of CBAM certificates, and the role of accredited verifiers.
ACEA Director General Sigrid de Vries stated: “Automakers are committed to making CBAM work and have already invested heavily in compliance operations. But the fact that such critical aspects remain unclear makes a smooth implementation on 1 January 2026 almost impossible. The Commission must urgently publish the missing texts and provide flexibility for businesses in the coming year.”
Spain’s automobile sector dips in June
Spain’s car industry saw its performance decline in June, Kallanish notes.
According to national automotive association Asociación Nacional de Fabricantes de Automóviles y Camiones (Anfac), output in June was 218,950 units, compared to 249,515 vehicles in May. This was also 7.1% less than the same month in 2023. Of the total, 75.4% was gasoline and diesel-powered automobiles. Six-month production amounted to 1.33 million units, just 1.1% more compared to January-June last year.
“Despite the decline observed in the last two months, the overall annual rate remains stable and above that of the previous year,” says Anfac general director José López-Tafall.
He however notes there has been a decline in electrical vehicle business due to model changes and production readjustments. “It is a priority for manufacturers to sell more plug-in models, both in Spain and abroad. The end of purchase subsidies in countries like Germany, one of our main export destinations, is causing a sharp drop in demand, which is affecting orders at our factories.”
Spanish vehicle exports fell in June. Shipments were at 186,813 units, compared to 221,354 units in the previous month and 9% lower than in June 2023.
European markets had a 93.5% share in Spanish deliveries in June, unchanged on-month and 2.3 percentage points higher on-year. Six-month exports slipped 0.5% over the same period in 2023 to 1.17 million vehicles, Anfac data show.
Todor Kirkov Bulgaria
