The National Accreditation Body (ENAC) has opened the process for accrediting inspection bodies wishing to carry out emission data inspections associated with certain goods imported into the European Union within the framework of the new European Union Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

The CBAM, applicable in its final phase from 1 January 2026, is an instrument of the European Union's climate policy aimed at preventing so-called carbon leakage and ensuring equivalent competitive conditions between EU producers and those from third countries. To this end, it establishes a system through which certain imports must reflect a carbon cost equivalent to that applied to production within the European Union through the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

In this context, data related to the emissions inherent in imported goods must be inspected by accredited bodies so that they can be used in CBAM declarations. Accrediting these bodies is provided for in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2023/956, while the specific requirements for its granting are established in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/2551.

Bodies wishing to carry out these activities must demonstrate specific technical competence for the activity groups covered by the mechanism, which include sectors such as cement, foundries, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilizers, hydrogen, and electricity, with the aim of providing the reliability, impartiality, and consistency necessary for performing inspections.

By opening this new accreditation field, ENAC contributes to implementing the CBAM mechanism in Spain and to establishing a solid and reliable system for inspecting emissions associated with imported products.

Bodies interested in starting the accreditation process or in consulting further information can contact Emma Alconero, Certification and Inspection Department, ENAC. The specific requirements for this area can be found in document RDE 06.