📌 This article was written by, ESG researcher, Shubhra Dixit. It’s a practical guide for EU importers who want to get CBAM registration right and avoid customs disruptions. 

How to register on the CBAM registry: a practical guide for EU importers (updated: January 2026) 

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, better known as CBAM, is no longer a future obligation. For many Dutch and EU corporates, CBAM has already become part of compliance obligations.  

A common question is: how do we actually register on the CBAM registry? 

This article explains the registration process step by step, with a specific focus on how Dutch companies should approach it, what to prepare in advance, and why timing matters. If you're not a Dutch company, take a look at the CBAM country overview to see which guide applies to you.

(1) Why registration matters 

From 2026, anyone importing more than 50 tonnes of CBAM goods into the EU must be authorised as a “CBAM declarant” or use an authorised indirect representative.  

Customs will check at the border whether the importer (or indirect customs representative) is authorised; if not, the goods may be denied release and/or a penalty may be imposed. Thus, if your company imports CBAM goods and does not obtain authorised CBAM declarant status in time for 2026, you risk not being able to release those goods for free circulation in the EU. 

(2) What and where the CBAM registry is

The CBAM registry is the official online platform set up by the European Commission for managing CBAM obligations. There are two separate types: the CBAM transitional registry and the CBAM registry: 

CBAM transitional registry 
During the transitional phase (2023-2025), the CBAM Transitional Registry is where importers submit their quarterly CBAM reports.  

CBAM registry
From 2026 onwards, the CBAM registry will be used by authorized CBAM declarants to manage CBAM certificates and submit annual CBAM declarations.  

(3) How to register on the CBAM registry 

Step 1: eHerkenning

To log in, you need eHerkenning with at least assurance level three. Don't have eHerkenning yet? The eHerkenning website provides more information on how to apply.  

https://www.eherkenning.nl/nl/leveranciersoverzicht 

Step 2: Log into the CBAM portal 

If you already have eHerkenning, you will need the CBAM service. You can request this from your eHerkenning provider. 

 To log in to the CBAM portal (the CBAM Registry), go to the Taxud Authentication Service on the European Commission website. 

 Fill in the login screen as follows: 

*Source = Inloginstructie CBAM-portaal 

And, select the following:

• Domein : ‘Douane’ (dus niet Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism!) 

• Land : ‘Nederland’ 

• Soort gebruiker : ‘Marktdeelnemer’  

• Ik handel namens : ‘Mezelf 

Agree and click “Submit.” You will then be taken to the eHerkenning page, where you select your eHerkenning broker. Next, click “Continue.” You will be redirected to your broker’s page, where you can complete the login process. 

Step 3: Await review and approval 

For companies in the Netherlands, the application is reviewed by the Dutch competent authority, which verifies that your organisation is established in the EU and has the capacity to meet CBAM obligations. 

The deadline for subscription is 31 March 2026. If you submit your application for authorised CBAM declarant status by 31 March 2026, you benefit from a grace period: you may continue importing CBAM goods throughout 2026, even if you exceed the 50‑tonne threshold, while the competent authority reviews your application. 

(4) Recap: CBAM compliance 

Registering on the CBAM registry is only the beginning. The real challenge lies in collecting supplier data, validating emissions, managing deadlines, and ensuring consistency with your broader ESG reporting. 

MasterSustainability.today is a CBAM compliance tool and ESG platform that helps corporates automate CBAM, CSRD, EUDR, and wider sustainability compliance from one central platform. 

If you want to see a CBAM platform in action take a look on our product page.

Want to take a look at the official Dutch CBAM registry FAQ page? Find it here.