Romania’s preparations for the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) have brought administrative capacity, customs coordination and emissions data management into focus, with weaknesses in implementation potentially complicating compliance despite an established legislative framework.
An OECD report published on 30 September examines Romania’s readiness to administer CBAM, covering customs capabilities, cooperation between public authorities, digital infrastructure and assistance for businesses. Carbon Pulse reported the findings on 1 October.
Customs coordination and institutional readiness
Funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument, the OECD study assesses Romania’s implementation arrangements and identifies lessons relevant to other EU member states.
The report focuses on how responsibilities are distributed among national competent authorities, customs administrations and institutions supporting CBAM implementation. Effective cooperation between these bodies is central to administering the mechanism and ensuring that regulatory obligations can be applied consistently.
CBAM requires the integration of trade documentation and emissions reporting across institutions with different operational responsibilities. Product classifications, importer records and carbon emissions data must be accessible and compatible across the organisations handling customs procedures and regulatory compliance.
Digital infrastructure and business compliance
The OECD’s findings highlight the importance of strengthening institutional capacity and establishing clearer operational procedures. The report also identifies guidance and communication with stakeholders, alongside administrative systems, as important elements of effective CBAM implementation.
For businesses involved in cross-border trade, emissions reporting and customs documentation are closely interconnected. Emissions data prepared by suppliers must be linked to the relevant goods and import declarations to support the importer’s compliance obligations.
Romania’s experience illustrates how administrative performance can affect the practical application of CBAM. The consistency and effectiveness of implementation depend not only on the regulatory framework but also on the capacity of national authorities and businesses to manage the associated data, customs procedures and reporting requirements.
