UK CBAM from 1 January 2027: what steel importers know, and the rate that is still pending

From 1 January 2027 UK importers of iron and steel owe CBAM once their CBAM goods pass £50,000. Who is liable and why the steel rate is pending.

By Loharo EditorialPublished Updated 1 min read
Steel mill with a furnace stack and coil yard under a grey sky
Illustration

Verification status: Verified against GOV.UK on 14 October 2026.

The UK carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) applies to specified goods imported into the UK on or after 1 January 2027, including iron and steel. Steel scrap is excluded.

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Importers become liable once the value of their CBAM goods passes a £50,000 minimum registration threshold.

The CBAM charge depends on a CBAM rate per sector, calculated from the UK carbon price. The rate for steel has not yet been published. Loharo will show it as pending until HMRC publishes it. We will not estimate it.

The UK is also considering changes to bring its CBAM closer to the EU’s, as Loharo reported on 14 October.

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Sources

By Loharo Editorial. Facts, analysis and uncertainty are labelled in line with our editorial standards. Report an error – corrections are dated and noted on the article. Information and analysis only, not investment advice.