EU Commission Publishes Guidance for CBAM Verifiers and Accreditation Bodies

24 augustus 2026

The European Commission has released new guidance detailing the requirements for CBAM verification and accreditation, alongside procedures for accessing the central CBAM Registry.

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD) has published new official guidance on CBAM verification and accreditation. Released on August 24, 2026, these documents are designed to help stakeholders navigate and comply with the verification requirements under the upcoming CBAM definitive period.

What the New Guidance Covers

The guidance explains the technical requirements of the CBAM Regulation in clear, actionable language. It is specifically targeted at two primary groups:

  • CBAM Verifiers: Professionals intending to verify the emissions reports of non-EU installations that produce imported CBAM goods starting January 1, 2026.

  • National Accreditation Bodies (NABs): The authorities responsible for granting accreditation and conducting ongoing surveillance of these verifiers.

Accessing the CBAM Registry

In addition to the core guidance, the Commission released a procedural manual outlining exactly how CBAM verifiers can secure access to the central CBAM Registry.

The onboarding process requires a strict sequence of actions:

  • Accreditation: The verifier must first be successfully accredited by a relevant National Accreditation Body.

  • Application: Once accredited, the entity submits a formal application for access to the CBAM Registry.

  • Approval: The relevant National Competent Authority (NCA) reviews the application, verifies the accreditation status, and officially grants system access.

Critical Timelines to Watch

The Commission highlighted several immediate milestones that verifiers and importers must prepare for:

  • September 1, 2026: Verifiers can officially begin applying for access to the CBAM Registry. Verifiers are legally required to register in the system within two months of receiving their CBAM accreditation (but no earlier than this date).

  • January 2027: Verifiers will begin issuing formal verification reports directly within the CBAM Registry. This critical step will allow importers to pull actual, verified emissions data to complete their mandatory CBAM declarations.

To download the full verification guidance or the Registry access manual, please read the European Commission's official announcement.