CBAM for Aluminium exporters
Unwrought metal to foil and structures — embedded emissions that swing sharply with the grid powering the smelter.
What drives aluminium embedded emissions
The Hall-Héroult electrolysis process — electricity plus carbon anodes, with perfluorocarbons (CF₄, C₂F₆) from anode effects.
Highly electricity-intensive: two smelters making the same metal can carry very different embedded emissions, which is exactly what a CBAM report must capture.
What CBAM covers in aluminium
Coverage follows the product’s CN code, not its end use. These are the families in scope — confirm your exact code on the checker.
7601Unwrought7604Bars & rods7606Plates & sheets7607Foil7608Tubes7610StructuresThe CBAM timeline
Indian exporters supplying to EU markets should prepare early to remain competitive and compliant.
- Quarterly emissions reporting mandatory
- No direct carbon tax implications
- Carbon costs become applicable
- Annual CBAM verification
- Purchase of CBAM certificates by EU importers
How we build your aluminium CBAM report
A four-step method aligned to the EU communication template — the same approach behind 30+ cbam reports delivered across iron & steel, aluminium, and manufacturing sectors.
Understanding production processes, machinery details, products, and raw materials.
Assessment of fuel, electricity, and precursor-level emissions.
Calculation of direct and indirect emissions aligned with EU methodologies.
Preparation of CBAM reports as per the standard EU communication template and reporting-portal requirements.
Your end-to-end CBAM compliance partner
Collection and calculation of CBAM emissions data, and preparation of quarterly and annual CBAM reports in line with EU requirements.
Assessment of CBAM costs based on embedded emissions and EU carbon prices, and identification of emission reduction opportunities to minimize future carbon costs.
Preparation of documentation required for CBAM verification, and coordination and support during third-party verification and annual compliance.
30+ CBAM reports delivered across iron & steel, aluminium, and manufacturing sectors.
Other CBAM sectors we cover
CBAM currently spans six carbon-intensive sectors. The EU CBAM currently covers over 700 product categories identified by 8-digit Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes. Additional sectors, including chemicals, ceramics, and textiles, are expected to be included in future phases.
Keep exploring CBAM for Aluminium
CBAM reporting delivered across sectors
CBAM for aluminium: FAQs
Is aluminium covered under CBAM?
Yes. CN chapter 76 — unwrought (7601), bars & rods (7604), plates & sheets (7606), foil (7607), tubes (7608), structures (7610). Confirm your product’s exact CN code on the CBAM CN-code checker.
Where do aluminium embedded emissions come from?
The Hall-Héroult electrolysis process — electricity plus carbon anodes, with perfluorocarbons (CF₄, C₂F₆) from anode effects. Emissions are dominated by the electricity mix powering the smelter, so the grid factor drives the number.
When do CBAM carbon costs start?
Quarterly reporting ran through the transitional phase (Oct 2023 – Dec 2025). From the definitive phase (Jan 2026) carbon-cost obligations, annual verification and CBAM certificates apply.
How does Social Lab help aluminium exporters?
CBAM Reporting, Carbon Cost Assessment & Optimization, CBAM Audit Readiness (from 2027). End-to-end support for CBAM reporting, carbon cost optimization, and CBAM audit preparedness aligned with EU requirements.
Get a clear read on your CBAM requirements
Your reporting obligations, carbon-cost exposure, and the fastest path to an audit-ready CBAM report — backed by hands-on experience in CBAM compliance.