Climate Change Administration

To help Taiwanese industries respond to the challenges brought by the full implementation of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held a press conference on April 2, titled “Establishing the CBAM Service Platform: The Government Has Your Back.”

The MOENV announced that it has joined forces with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to officially launch the CBAM Service Platform, integrating resources across government agencies, and demonstrating the government’s determination to stand alongside enterprises and turn challenges into opportunities.

The EU CBAM officially entered its definitive period on January 1, covering six sectors: iron and steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen. Starting in 2027, EU importers will be required to submit the CBAM declaration and surrender the corresponding CBAM certificates for the previous year by September 30 each year.

Based on a statistical analysis of 2024 export data provided by the Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance, approximately 2,600 Taiwanese enterprises are affected by the EU CBAM. Steel-related products account for the majority of regulated goods, totaling approximately 2.8 million metric tons. The press conference brought together representatives from industry, government, and academia to share insights and recommendations from different perspectives:

◆ Chuang Ming-Chih, Chief Secretary of the MOEA, noted that although approximately 2,200 Taiwanese companies have export volumes below the EU CBAM’s annual 50-metric-ton exemption threshold, the threshold is calculated based on the total volume imported by an EU importer. Therefore, even an individual Taiwanese company with exports below the threshold may still need to provide relevant data if its buyer’s overall imports exceed 50 metric tons.

◆ Shih Wen-Chen, Professor at National Chengchi University, pointed out that the service platform offers two major advantages: completely free services and authoritative regulatory interpretation. It will help enterprises obtain timely and accurate information and avoid unnecessary expenses caused by misinformation or rumors from external sources.

◆ Chen Hung-Wen, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI), recommended that the government strengthen carbon emissions management and develop green-collar talent, assist enterprises in expanding their use of recycled materials, and accelerate the next phase of the energy transition. He called for stronger public-private collaboration to advance the low-carbon transformation of industries.

◆ Yang Po-Keng, Senior Consultant of the Manufacturers United General Association of Industrial Park of R.O.C (MUGA), emphasized that industry is prepared to fully support government policies. He also called for policy communication to be presented in plain and practical language, ensuring that enterprises can understand the requirements and implement them correctly.

During the briefing, the Climate Change Administration (CCA) of the MOENV explained that CBAM covers a wide range of areas — including export trade, emissions reporting, verification mechanisms, and carbon fee deductions. To provide enterprises with comprehensive support, the government has established a one-stop service, available both online and in person. Complex regulations will also be simplified into clear and accessible information, focusing on three key areas that enterprises most urgently need to understand:

◆ Two dedicated sections launched: The MOEA has established a dedicated section on the Green Trade Information Website. Meanwhile, the “CBAM Response Section” (https://www.cca.gov.tw/affairs/cbam/25848.html) on the CCA website was also officially launched.

◆ Single service window: Through the platform, enterprises can receive front-line support from dedicated personnel via a consultation hotline and a designated email address, without having to contact multiple government agencies separately, providing a one-stop solution to their questions and needs.

◆ Three core services: As the EU continues to release detailed CBAM regulations, the platform will provide three key services.

1. Calculation of Embedded Emissions in Goods: helps enterprises understand the EU CBAM’s requirements for emissions data and calculation methods.
2. Accreditation and Verification System: provides information on the relevant requirements for accredited verifiers recognized by the EU.
3. Carbon Fee Deduction: provides up-to-date guidance on how carbon fees paid in Taiwan may be deducted through applicable emission reduction credits.

The CCA also reminded enterprises that if they report based on actual values, the reported data must be verified by an EU-accredited verifier. However, enterprises may in the future be able to claim a deduction for carbon fees paid in Taiwan, subject to the relevant regulations currently under development.

The CCA also reminded enterprises that if they report based on actual values, the reported data must be verified by an EU-accredited verifier. However, enterprises may in the future be able to claim a deduction for carbon fees paid in Taiwan, subject to the relevant regulations currently under development.

Amid the global wave of green trade, Minister Peng called on enterprises to “strongly counter misinformation and make full use of the government’s official single service window.” He emphasized that the government would serve as the strongest supporter for enterprises and provide substantive support through the CBAM Service Platform, helping Taiwanese industries stay at the forefront of the global transition toward a low-carbon economy.