In 2026, the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) ovvero il . This is one of the EU’s most ambitious measures to reduce CO₂ emissions and protect the competitiveness of European industry.
Starting in 2025, professionals in logistics, supply chain, and import/export will face a structural shift: the CBAM regulation is not just an environmental rule—it represents a fundamental transformation in how international goods flows are managed.
CBAM EU: Objectives and Regulationor
The main goal of CBAM certificates EU is to prevent carbon leakage—a phenomenon where companies relocate production to countries with laxer environmental laws. To tackle this, the European Commission introduced CBAM to level the playing field between EU and non-EU producers.
The CBAM regulation will be fully enforced in 2026, but starting in 2025, importers will be required to begin collecting detailed emissions data for imported goods such as steel, cement, fertilizers, hydrogen, and aluminum. Emissions tracking will become part of customs documentation, imposing new reporting obligations on businesses.
How CBAM Will Impact Logistics Costs
The implementation of CBAM certificates will directly affect logistics costs. European companies importing goods from countries without a comparable carbon pricing system will face extra costs related to purchasing CBAM certificates supply chain.
In a sector already plagued by volatile energy costs and logistical bottlenecks, the CBAM regulation risks further increasing pressure on margins and delivery times. Therefore, it's crucial to start preparing now.
How CBAM Will Influence Shipping and Transportation
In addition to its cost impact, CBAM EU will also influence operational decisions. International routes will need to be rethought: long-distance maritime transport, for example, could become less cost-effective for goods with high embodied emissions. As a result, many companies may prefer geographically closer suppliers or transport modes with a lower environmental impact.
Relationships with couriers and freight forwarders will also change. It will be necessary to work with partners capable of providing accurate emissions data, ensuring complete traceability of logistics flows, and supporting CBAM regulation with advanced digital solutions.
Adaptation Strategies for Companies
To avoid being caught off guard, logistics and supply chain professionals must treat CBAM certificates as a strategic priority, not just a compliance obligation.
How to Optimize the Supply Chain and Reduce Costs
The first concrete action a company can take is reviewing its suppliers. Favoring countries with environmental regulations similar to those of the EU means reducing the cost of CBAM certificates.Furthermore, it will also be necessary to invest in digital systems for tracking emissions, from the point of origin of goods to their final destination.
A digitized supply chain allows for the automated collection of data required by the CBAM EU, eliminating errors and delays. Centralizing logistics also makes it possible to optimize routes, reduce the number of transshipments, and use more sustainable transport methods more efficiently. Reorganizing the supply chain with both environmental and operational considerations not only helps ensure compliance with the CBAM regulation, but can also become a driver of efficiency and competitiveness.
Servizi di spedizione: come prepararsi alle nuove regole
To manage the transition effectively, it is essential to rely on technological and logistical partners capable of supporting the company in an integrated way. One example is SEND2U by Hubrise, the smart delivery platform designed to optimize eCommerce shipping management.
With SEND2U, each shipment is assigned to the most efficient courier based on customized parameters, which can also include environmental performance. This not only allows for cost reductions of up to 17%, but also provides full control over the shipment lifecycle, with real-time tracking, exception management, and automation of operational workflows.
SEND2U can be integrated with OMS, ERP, and emission tracking systems. Moreover, thanks to its compatibility with European logistics partners such as Hermes Fulfilment, it represents a ready-to-use solution for meeting the standards required by the CBAM European Commission.
In a context where logistics will be increasingly constrained by environmental and regulatory requirements, tools like SEND2U enable companies to stay ahead of the curve, ensure operational continuity, and turn CBAM into an opportunity for modernization and growth.