EU green tariff on high carbon imports comes into force

Mace | 2nd January 2026 | Lobbying, Policy & Think Tanks
Berlin_Heizkraftwerk_Wilmersdorf_asv2021-04

The EU’s new green tariff regime begins, applying carbon costs to selected imports and reshaping how climate policy intersects with trade.

The European Union’s new green tariff regime on high carbon imports has entered into force, marking a significant change in how the bloc connects climate policy with trade. The rules apply under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which is intended to place a carbon price on certain imported goods equivalent to that faced by EU producers under the emissions trading system. The mechanism has moved into force following several years of legislative negotiations between EU institutions and member states. Under the system, importers of selected carbon intensive products are required to meet reporting and adjustment obligations linked to the embedded emissions of their goods. The initial scope covers sectors including steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen. These industries are viewed by EU policymakers as both emissions heavy and exposed to international competition, making them central to concerns about carbon leakage. The mechanism operates alongside the EU em...

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.



Leader in UK Public Affairs: Beth Armstrong, Partner, Charlesbye, “Control the controllables”

Mace | October 9, 2026

The combination of government, campaigns and consultancy gives Beth a broad view of Westminster

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Vincent Fabri, Associate Director, Field Consulting, “I grew up in a very political family”

Mace | October 8, 2026

Fabri discusses his support for greater transparency and his belief that lobbying standards should apply beyond traditional public affairs agencies

What impact has Burnham had on the lobbying industry?  

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | October 6, 2026

It is still early days for the new Prime Minister, but lobbying trackers have witnessed an increase in activity since his arrival in No. 10

Anthropic and its deep-rooted lobbying ties to the UK government  

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | September 29, 2026

The accusation that AI has the potential to ‘kill all humans’ in the next decade has sent shockwaves around the world, but what are the controversial AI companies’

Leader in Public Affairs: Ros Morgan, Chief Executive, Heart of London Business Alliance, “Build a strong, proud and open culture where everyone has a voice”

Mace | September 8, 2026

After two decades spent in advocacy on behalf of business, Ros reveals what parts of the industry she believes needs reform.

The Mace Questionnaire: Marshall Manson, CEO, FleishmanHillard UK – “Politics is seeping into business through every crack” 

Mace Magazine | August 12, 2026

The innovative digital comms veteran Marshall Manson, now CEO of FleishmanHillard UK, reveals how he misses The West Wing, was introduced to Westminster by Gyles Brandeth's political diaries

The Strategist: Michael Prescott, Managing Director, Hanover – “Better to risk being the most overdressed person in the room than the scruffiest” 

Mace | August 11, 2026

From political editor of The Sunday Times to bringing down two BBC chiefs, Michael Prescott reflects on his distinguished career as a journalist and now leading UK corporate

FTI Consulting hires ex-Three UK communications chief

Mace | July 9, 2026

Former director of corporate communications at Three UK, Juliet Callaghan, has rejoined FTI Consulting’s UK Strategic Communications segment.

New lobbying recommendations: “Comprehensive and positive”

Mace | July 9, 2026

Industry leaders say that 'trust hangs by a thread' and the time has come take action.

Burnham’s controversial lobbying ties raise red flags about transparency in Westminster  

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | July 8, 2026

Bombshell evidence reveals Burnham’s soon-to-be Chief of Staff ran a lobbying firm that hosted a multitude of undisclosed meetings with Labour officials.