Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

The Korean government held its 13th joint briefing of 2026 on September 2 to help exporters respond to the European Union (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). CBAM is designed to prevent carbon leakage by ensuring that selected carbon-intensive imports are subject to a carbon price equivalent to that applied to goods produced in the EU.

 The event took place at Yeungnam University’s Chunma Arts Center in Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE), and the Korea Customs Service (KCS) jointly hosted the briefing with related organizations.

With the EU CBAM fully in effect since January 2026, Korean exporters need to clearly understand and properly apply its rules in practice, including those for calculating and verifying carbon emissions.

To help Korean exporters better understand CBAM and respond more effectively, the briefing consisted of two sessions: Session 1, “Understanding CBAM,” and Session 2, “Practical Case Studies.”

Session 1 explained CBAM in detail, including what the definitive period requires, how companies can respond, how to calculate carbon emissions, and how to prepare for verification. Session 2 presented real-world examples of how SMEs exporting to the EU have put systems in place to respond to CBAM and improved their export performance.

In addition to the joint briefing, the government is helping Korean companies respond to CBAM through other measures. In August 2026, it provided five sessions of theoretical and hands-on training, during which SME employees practiced calculating carbon emissions.

Furthermore, the government is accepting applications for the SME CBAM Response Infrastructure Program until September 15, 2026, from SMEs that export CBAM-covered goods to the EU. The program helps participating companies install equipment to measure carbon emissions and provides financial assistance with verification costs.

The government has also provided on-site consulting to calculate emissions for CBAM-covered products and operates a dedicated helpline for companies at 1551-3213.

“2026 is a critical year for companies exporting to the EU to prepare thoroughly for the full implementation of CBAM,” said Kim Dae-hee, Director General for SME Policy at MSS. “We hope this briefing will help companies clearly understand the CBAM rules and build the systems they need to respond effectively. We will continue to actively support Korean companies in responding to CBAM.”

The government will continue to monitor revisions to CBAM, including any expansion of its scope; consult with the EU on measures that could ease the burden on Korean companies; and help companies strengthen their own capacity to respond.