On Thursday, the Chamber approved a preliminary bill establishing a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Sponsored by Minister of the Environment Zakia Khattabi (Ecolo), the legislation operationalises a European directive. It will guarantee that from 2026 onwards, industrial products from outside the EU will be taxed based on their carbon footprint. This aims to prevent European companies from experiencing unfair competition.
In terms of implementation, the Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment service will act as the competent authority.
From 2026, EU importers of items subject to the CBAM will be required to register and disclose emissions produced during the manufacture of the imported goods.
The Vivaldi majority passed the bill, joined by the N-VA, Les Engagés and DéFi. Vlaams Belang and PTB abstained.
