CBAM Approaching... Specialized Support for SMEs to Respond

New Digital Automated MRV Initiative Launched
Online and Offline Training from Basic to Advanced Levels Through December

Specialized and effective support measures are being promoted to help domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) respond to the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). With the full implementation of CBAM set to begin in January next year, SMEs, which often lack sufficient manpower and financial resources, are facing significant challenges in responding to the new regulations. As a result, training is being provided with a focus on practical skills for SMEs to address CBAM requirements. Additionally, to supplement existing consulting-based support programs, a new initiative is being prepared to introduce solutions that automate the core CBAM response competencies of measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV).

On the 17th, a joint briefing session for related organizations responding to the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is being held in Daejeon. Photo by Jungjin Gong

On the 21st, the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency announced that it will implement a digital-based automated MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) dissemination program targeting around 40 companies in the second half of this year. The goal is to strengthen SMEs' ability to independently respond to the highly specialized requirements of the EU CBAM through the adoption of digital-based automated MRV systems. The EU CBAM is a system that imposes costs on companies exporting six categories of products-steel, aluminum, fertilizers, hydrogen, cement, and electricity-to the EU, based on the carbon emissions generated during the production process. Starting in 2026, companies exporting these items to the EU will be required to verify their emissions and purchase and submit CBAM certificates.

The digital-based MRV system is designed to address these requirements by establishing an energy usage monitoring system and a reporting infrastructure in accordance with EU CBAM regulations. Measurement devices will also be installed to monitor energy consumption from production facilities and other sources. This enables the entire process-from calculating carbon emissions to verifying the resulting reports-to be automated using digital technology. The support is aimed at SMEs exporting CBAM-covered products to the EU, enabling them to fulfill the annual emissions reporting obligation that will become mandatory from 2026, when CBAM is applied through MRV.

The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency has also been offering training programs, both online and offline, from August to December this year to strengthen the CBAM response capabilities of Korean SMEs. The curriculum is structured in stages, ranging from basic to advanced levels, and includes both theory and practical exercises. The online courses cover practical concepts and theoretical instruction, such as methods for calculating carbon emissions, how to complete CBAM forms, and analyzing supply chain assessment indicators. In the offline programs, participating companies directly calculate their carbon emissions and fill out CBAM forms for verification, thereby enhancing their practical application skills. In the advanced courses, participants set up virtual workplaces and carry out the entire CBAM process themselves, then compare their results with verified data to build genuine response capabilities. According to the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, this training enables companies to analyze CBAM-related costs and establish long-term plans for reducing carbon emissions. A representative from the agency stated, "We will actively support SMEs so that they can maintain their competitiveness even under the global carbon regulatory environment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.