TÜRKÇİMENTO Advocates for EU-Compliant MRV Data Under CBAM Framework

TÜRKÇİMENTO Calls for EU-Compliant MRV Data Under CBAM Framework

On March 25, 2026, the Turkish Cement Manufacturers' Association, known as TÜRKÇİMENTO, issued a vital statement regarding the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This strategic announcement follows significant legislative shifts made by the European Commission that could impact the Turkish cement industry's operations.

Understanding CBAM and Its Implications

The primary focus of TÜRKÇİMENTO's statement is the push for the European Union to recognize national Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) data that aligns with EU standards as default values in the implementation of CBAM. The current EU CBAM framework may significantly exaggerate the actual emissions from Turkish cement producers. TÜRKÇİMENTO highlights that the discrepancies between the EU's default emission values and the actual emissions reported by Turkish manufacturers could inflate carbon costs enormously, from approximately €20 to €80 per ton.

According to Volkan Bozay, CEO of TÜRKÇİMENTO, the accurate representation of emissions is crucial. He indicated that inaccuracies in verifying actual emission figures could place an overwhelming financial burden on Turkish producers. He explains, "When this difference is calculated based on current EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) prices, it increases the carbon cost per ton of clinker from approximately €20 to €80. This amount is even above the average unit price for products exported to the EU, threatening export viability."

Existing Conditions of the Turkish Cement Sector

TÜRKÇİMENTO has been operating under an MRV system that is compatible with EU regulations since 2015 and emphasizes that its production facilities utilize low-emission dry-process kilns. The actual emission performance of these facilities is significantly better than the default values used currently by the EU. However, the lack of a specific default value for Türkiye has resulted in the classification of the Turkish cement sector under the broad 'other countries' category, putting it at a competitive disadvantage.

The organization reports that while the effective emissions for grey cement clinker stand at 0.88 tCO₂/ton, the default value set by the EU for Turkey is 1.551 tCO₂/ton. Bozay remarked on the problems this discrepancy creates: "This difference leads to additional costs that do not reflect actual emissions performance, potentially driving up final product prices, and ultimately impacting EU consumers as well."

Addressing Technical Challenges

Another critical aspect highlighted by Bozay is the need for clear guidelines regarding indirect emissions attributed to renewable energy investments. He pointed out that the typical capacity required for solar energy gear to fully satisfy electricity demands at a small-to-medium cement plant can range from 50 to 70 MW, which is often impractical at factory sites. Therefore, he urged the EU to provide regulations that recognize investments in renewable energy irrespective of their physical location.

Proposed Solutions and Future Directions

In light of these challenges, TÜRKÇİMENTO is proposing that to avert CBAM from becoming a trade barrier, it is essential to implement national emission values based on EU-aligned MRV data instead of relying on the general default figures. Until the verification structures can be fully established, actual emissions data should be recognized as the primary basis to mitigate any disproportionate financial impact on the Turkish cement production sector.

Bozay stated, "If CBAM does not differentiate between low-carbon and high-carbon production practices, it will ultimately compromise the sustainability it seeks to promote, creating non-tariff technical barriers instead. It's vital the EU quickly clarifies technical regulations related to the implementation of CBAM, including the finalization of accredited organizations tasked with verification."

Conclusions

As TÜRKÇİMENTO advocates for recognition of domestically produced MRV data under the EU's CBAM framework, the outcomes of this initiative could prove essential in sustaining the economic viability of Turkey's cement industry in the competitive European market. The call for fair competition underscored by TÜRKÇİMENTO highlights the importance of equitable practices in the ongoing fight against climate change, ensuring that the transition toward lower emissions doesn't inadvertently place certain nations at a disadvantage.

For more information, visit TÜRKÇİMENTO's official site.