header-logo header-logo

21 March 2025 / Paul Henty
Issue: 8109 / Categories: Features , ESG
printer mail-detail

Climate protection in a climate of protectionism

211938
Will proposed EU and UK legislation stop business at the carbon border? Paul Henty examines the implications for businesses, as well as the wider effects on global trade
  • The carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) levies charges on certain imported goods based on their embedded emissions. It aims to ensure EU industries remain competitive while encouraging sustainable practices globally.
  • Businesses need to prepare for CBAM compliance and make sure their systems are agile enough to adapt.

Much attention has been given to the proposals by President Trump to impose tariffs on a wide range of imported goods from trading parties as diverse as China, the EU, Mexico and even Canada. These have triggered discussions about who really pays for tariffs, the extent to which they make imported goods less attractive, and whether they actually redress trade deficits effectively.

Discussion has been more muted about proposed legislation from the EU and UK, which—in the name of combatting climate change—will effectively impose tariffs on certain targeted, imported goods. The carbon border

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Laytons ETL—Maximilian Kraitt

Laytons ETL—Maximilian Kraitt

Commercial firm strengthens real estate disputes team with associate hire

Switalskis—three appointments

Switalskis—three appointments

Firm appoints three directors to board

Browne Jacobson—seven promotions

Browne Jacobson—seven promotions

Six promoted to partner and one to legal director across UK and Ireland offices

NEWS

From blockbuster judgments to procedural shake-ups, the courts are busy reshaping litigation practice. Writing in NLJ this week, Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School hails the Court of Appeal's 'exquisite judgment’ in Mazur restoring the role of supervised non-qualified staff, and highlights a ‘mammoth’ damages ruling likened to War and Peace, alongside guidance on medical reporting fees, where a pragmatic 25% uplift was imposed

Momentum is building behind proposals to restrict children’s access to social media—but the legal and practical challenges are formidable. In NLJ this week, Nick Smallwood of Mills & Reeve examines global moves, including Australia’s under-16 ban and the UK's consultation
Reforms designed to rebalance landlord-tenant relations may instead penalise leaseholders themselves. In this week's NLJ, Mike Somekh of The Freehold Collective warns that the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 risks creating an ‘underclass’ of resident-controlled freehold companies
Timing is everything—and the Court of Appeal has delivered clarity on when proceedings are ‘brought’. In his latest 'Civil way' column for NLJ, Stephen Gold explains that a claim is issued for limitation purposes when the claim form is delivered to the court, even if fees are underpaid
The traditional ‘single, intensive day’ of financial dispute resolution (FDR) may be due for a rethink. Writing in NLJ this week, Rachel Frost-Smith and Lauren Guiler of Birketts propose a ‘split FDR’ model, separating judicial evaluation from negotiation
back-to-top-scroll