CBAM and Cement Imports: A Guide for UK Importers
Cement production accounts for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions — one of the highest of any industrial sector. The carbon intensity of cement is largely driven by the calcination of limestone, a chemical process that releases CO2 regardless of the energy source used. This means there is limited scope to reduce embedded emissions through fuel switching alone, making clinker content the critical variable for CBAM purposes.
Which cement products are in scope
• Portland cement and similar hydraulic cements
• Clinker — the carbon-intensive intermediate from which cement is made
• Aluminous cement
Clinker deserves particular attention. Importing clinker directly rather than finished cement does not reduce CBAM obligations — the embedded emissions attach to the clinker content wherever it appears in the supply chain.
Why clinker content is the key variable
Different cement types contain different proportions of clinker. Portland cement is typically 90–95% clinker. Blended cements use supplementary cementitious materials — such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), or silica fume — to partially replace clinker, reducing embedded emissions. Importers should understand the clinker factor of the cement they import, as this directly determines the CBAM certificate obligation per tonne.
Geographic considerations
Turkey is one of the largest sources of cement imports into Europe. Turkish producers vary significantly in their carbon intensity and monitoring capability — some have invested in modern kilns and continuous emissions monitoring, others operate older technology with higher emission rates. Supplier selection and data quality are therefore particularly important for cement importers, and engaging suppliers early in the process is advisable.
What cement importers should do now
1. Confirm that your cement CN codes fall within CBAM scope.
2. Obtain the clinker factor for each product you import — your supplier should be able to provide this.
3. Request verified emissions data from suppliers, focusing on kiln efficiency and fuel mix.
4. Assess whether blended cements with lower clinker content could reduce your certificate obligation.