CBAM exposure
Penalty estimator
Indicative range used for missing or incorrect reports: EUR 10 to EUR 50 per tonne of unreported embedded emissions.
Estimated penalty
EUR 25.00
EU CBAMCarbon Border Adjustment MechanismAnnex 5.1 XML export

EU CBAM reporting software for Annex 5.1 submissions.

Collect supplier emissions inputs, calculate embedded emissions, and export a portal-ready ZIP structured to Annex 5.1. Built for importers, freight forwarders, and indirect representatives shipping into the EU.

Timeline
Transitional phase: 2023 to 2025. Definitive regime starts 1 January 2026.
Submission format
Portal upload supports an XML file plus attachments packaged as a ZIP, structured to Annex 5.1 XSD.
Built for operations
Quarterly workflows for supplier intake, audit trail, and export-ready submission packs.

Make CBAM reporting repeatable.

CBAM execution depends on supplier cooperation, consistent calculations, and correct submission files. GrandScope is built for that reality.

Supplier intake

Supplier emissions data collection

Replace email chaos with secure supplier intake and Magic Links. Keep an audit trail for compliance and procurement.

Supplier portal, progress tracking, audit events
Calculation

Embedded emissions calculation

Compute report values consistently and apply controlled default values when suppliers do not reply.

Repeatable methodology, fewer spreadsheet errors
Submission

Annex 5.1 XML ZIP export

Generate a portal-ready XML plus attachments packaged as a ZIP and validate structure before submission.

Annex 5.1 structure alignment, reduced rejection risk

How EU CBAM reporting works in GrandScope

A 3 step pipeline from shipment data to a submission-ready export.

01
Import shipments and CN codes

Enter CN codes or upload a CSV from your freight system. Group shipments by supplier and reporting period.

02
Collect supplier inputs

Send suppliers a secure link to provide emissions and activity data. Track completion and follow up only when needed.

03
Export, validate, and file

Generate an Annex 5.1 XML ZIP export and validate structure before submission to reduce last-minute rework.

Start with one report, scale to your full import book.
Use a free report to test the workflow, then expand to multi-entity operations.

Who GrandScope is for

Designed for EU import operations: importers, freight forwarders, and indirect representatives across the EU.

For importers

Run quarterly reporting without chasing dozens of suppliers. Keep documentation aligned with what procurement and auditors demand.

  • Quarterly workflow by shipment and supplier
  • Attachment management and audit trail
  • Consistent data quality controls

For freight forwarders

Standardize CBAM across clients with repeatable intake and reporting. Reduce client escalation and operational drag.

  • Multi-client workflow
  • Supplier follow-up automation
  • Export packs built for portal upload

CBAM covered goods and scope

CBAM initially applies to cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity, and hydrogen. Importers must report embedded emissions during the transitional phase.

CementIron and steelAluminiumFertilisersElectricityHydrogen

Common blocker: supplier silence

Waiting for suppliers to learn Annex 5.1 kills reporting timelines. Use structured intake and controlled default values to keep filings on schedule.

See how supplier intake works

Common blocker: invalid portal uploads

The portal can reject incorrect structure. Export an Annex 5.1 compliant package and validate before submission to avoid last-minute rework.

Learn about submission structure

GrandScope vs. The Alternatives

A practical comparison for operations teams choosing a repeatable CBAM reporting workflow.

FeatureGrandScopeManual Registry EntryGeneral ESG Tools
Output FormatValidated XML (XSD Compliant)Manual TypingGeneric CSV / PDF
Error CheckingPre-submission ValidationPost-submission RejectionLimited
CN Code LogicAuto-Map & VerifyManual LookupManual Lookup
Supplier PortalAutomated Data RequestEmail AttachmentsGeneral Surveys
2026 ReadyYes (Certificate Calculation)NoVaries

FAQ: EU CBAM reporting and Annex 5.1

Direct answers for operations, compliance, and procurement teams.

What is EU CBAM and who needs to report?
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is the EU policy tool that puts a fair price on carbon embedded in certain imported goods. During the transitional phase, importers report embedded emissions for covered goods.
How do I submit a CBAM report?
Reporting declarants can create reports in the portal or upload an XML file with attachments packaged in a ZIP. The XML is structured according to the Annex 5.1 XSD.
What penalties apply if reports are missing or incorrect?
Penalties can be between EUR 10 and EUR 50 per tonne of unreported embedded emissions, depending on the competent authority assessment and the case.
Can I use default values if a supplier does not reply?
GrandScope supports controlled fallback to default values so you can file on time, then replace with supplier specific values as data becomes available.
What information do I need from suppliers for CBAM reporting?
You typically need supplier activity data and embedded emissions inputs for covered goods, plus supporting documentation where available. When suppliers do not respond in time, controlled default values can keep submissions on schedule.
What is Annex 5.1 and why does XML validation matter?
Annex 5.1 defines the reporting structure used for portal uploads. If the XML structure does not match the Annex 5.1 XSD, uploads can fail and create last-minute rework. Validation helps catch structural issues before submission.
How do CN codes affect CBAM scope and reporting?
CN codes determine whether a shipment line is in scope and how it should be categorized for reporting. Incorrect CN mapping can lead to missed covered goods, inconsistent data, and preventable portal errors.
What documentation should I keep for CBAM audit readiness?
Keep supplier submissions, calculation inputs, default value rationale where used, and any supporting documents associated with your reporting period. A clean audit trail reduces time spent answering internal reviews and competent authority questions.
What changes when the definitive regime starts on 1 January 2026?
The transitional phase focuses on reporting. From 1 January 2026, requirements expand toward certificate management and financial settlement linked to embedded emissions. Being operationally ready means having repeatable data collection and calculation workflows.
Can freight forwarders or indirect representatives report on behalf of clients?
Many forwarders and indirect representatives support clients with shipment data, supplier follow-up, and preparation of submission packs. The reporting declarant remains responsible for correctness, so standardized intake and validation are key.
Make CBAM boring.
Predictable reporting beats heroic last-minute compliance every quarter.