CBAM Revolution: Vietnamese companies face green challenges!

CBAM Revolution: Vietnamese companies face green challenges!

On June 22, 2025, Vietnamese companies face an important transformation: the launch of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). How vietnam.vn reports, this mechanism will be tested from October 1, 2023 and is expected to come into full force from 2026. The goal of the CBAM is to impose a carbon tax on imported goods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Vietnam has already adopted regulations to develop its carbon market. A pilot phase will last until the end of 2028, followed by an official launch in 2029. Companies will have the option to use standardized emissions measurement systems to partially offset their obligations under the CBAM. An example of this is the World Bank's payment of emissions certificates in Quang Binh.

The challenges of emissions reporting

At an upcoming online talk show titled “From CBAM to Carbon Market – A New Compliance Roadmap for Vietnamese Companies” organized on June 23, experts will discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by the CBAM. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Nam, a key speaker, highlights the stringent emissions reporting requirements and intense competition companies face.

Adapting to CBAM requires companies to take both initiative and investment in technological innovation. To be successful, companies must ensure transparency in their CO2 emissions and the use of clean technologies. Additionally, Dr. Mac Quoc Anh that companies thoroughly review their production processes and build a database of their greenhouse gas emissions.

Green technology opportunities

However, the CBAM also offers significant opportunities. It is seen as an incentive for investment in green technologies and sustainable development. An emissions certificate exchange is also expected to be introduced in Vietnam in 2025, which will serve as a further measure to promote environmentally friendly practices.

The recommendations for action for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) include incentives for green loans, tax exemptions and support for CO2 measurement. The aim is to create an ecosystem for green technologies to enable networking between SMEs and start-ups. The Vietnam ESG Forum 2025 also plans to address scientific and technological topics in the context of sustainable development, while the Vietnam ESG Awards 2025 aims to recognize outstanding achievements in the areas of environmental, social and corporate governance.

The role of certificates in CBAM

The Commerzbank informed that from 2026 EU importers will have to purchase CBAM certificates for the verified emissions of imported goods. The price of these certificates will initially be based on the weekly average price of EU ETS allowances. Importers must hold certificates for at least 80% of the goods covered by the CBAM regulation each quarter. However, the EU Commission has put forward a proposal for a change in the law that will postpone the sale of CBAM certificates until February 2027. In this context, a reduction in the minimum purchase limit for these certificates from 80% to 50% is also being discussed.

The developments surrounding the CBAM show that the transformation towards more sustainable practices brings both challenges and opportunities for Vietnamese companies. Future success will depend on the willingness to adapt to these new circumstances and demonstrate innovative strength.