UK: The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has raised renewed concerns over the UK’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will see importers of cement and other hard-to-abate materials pay an emissions tax from 1 January 2027. The association has questioned the work being done to prepare for the rollout of the policy and the efficacy once implemented. The UK government launched its second public consultation on the mechanism on 10 February 2026.
Diana Casey, executive director for energy and climate change, cement and lime at the MPA, said that the consultation was a welcome step but noted that significant issues remain unresolved. “With less than a year to get this right, it’s essential we iron out any issues now, so the mechanism genuinely protects domestic producers and ensures fair competition,” she said.
“But with the CBAM rate not scheduled to be tested until the fourth quarter of 2026, we are still a long way from knowing whether the system will work in practice. Delayed testing risks locking in a system that isn’t fit for purpose and removes the chance to course correct. We also still don’t have clarity on the default values importers will use for emissions reporting, in the event that actual verified emissions can’t be provided. Without robust, transparent defaults, there’s a real risk of under reported emissions and an uneven playing field for UK manufacturers,” she added.
