CBAM and Cement Imports: A Guide for UK Importers
Cementproduction accounts for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions — one of thehighest of any industrial sector. The carbon intensity of cement is largelydriven by the calcination of limestone, a chemical process that releases CO2regardless of the energy source used. This means there is limited scope toreduce embedded emissions through fuel switching alone, making clinker contentthe critical variable for CBAM purposes.
Which cement products are in scope
• Portland cement and similarhydraulic cements
• Clinker — thecarbon-intensive intermediate from which cement is made
• Aluminous cement
Clinkerdeserves particular attention. Importing clinker directly rather than finishedcement does not reduce CBAM obligations — the embedded emissions attach to theclinker content wherever it appears in the supply chain.
Why clinker content is the key variable
Differentcement types contain different proportions of clinker. Portland cement istypically 90–95% clinker. Blended cements use supplementary cementitiousmaterials — such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), orsilica fume — to partially replace clinker, reducing embedded emissions.Importers should understand the clinker factor of the cement they import, asthis directly determines the CBAM certificate obligation per tonne.
Geographic considerations
Turkeyis one of the largest sources of cement imports into Europe. Turkish producersvary significantly in their carbon intensity and monitoring capability — somehave invested in modern kilns and continuous emissions monitoring, othersoperate older technology with higher emission rates. Supplier selection anddata quality are therefore particularly important for cement importers, andengaging suppliers early in the process is advisable.
What cement importers should do now
1. Confirm that your cement CNcodes fall within CBAM scope.
2. Obtain the clinker factorfor each product you import — your supplier should be able to provide this.
3. Request verified emissionsdata from suppliers, focusing on kiln efficiency and fuel mix.
4. Assess whether blendedcements with lower clinker content could reduce your certificate obligation.