White Paper: IMPORT Token
Executive Summary
The IMPORT Token is a non-financial digital good designed to provide EU importers with a future-proof mechanism to manage costs associated with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). As CBAM certificates become integral to European climate policy, the IMPORT Token offers a stable, user-centric solution to address price volatility, ensuring predictability and compliance readiness. This white paper explores the IMPORT Token's purpose, functionality, and the legal framework within which it operates, highlighting its innovative features and role in the evolving regulatory environment.
Introduction
The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), effective 2026, requires importers to purchase CBAM certificates to account for the carbon emissions embedded in imported goods. These certificates aim to create a level playing field between EU producers, governed by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), and international suppliers.
The CBAM certificate prices are linked to the EU emission Allowances (EUAs) under the ETS and are therefore subject to market fluctuations. This volatility poses operational challenges for importers. The IMPORT Token acts as a 'shock absorber,' with 25-euro price steps that reduce volatility and support our aim to limit client-driven market activity.
How it gets its price
The IMPORT Token is related to price of EU Emission Allowances (EUAs). The price of the IMPORT Token increases or decreases in steps of 25 and is rounded up to the nearest 25. If the EUA hits e.g. €25.00 the IMPORT Token price is set to €50.00. More reference examples:
| EUA Price | IMPORT Token | |
|---|---|---|
| €68.80 | €75.00 | |
| €77.40 | €100.00 | |
| €176.00 | €200.00 | |
| €302.35 | €325.00 |
Features
To ensure IMPORT Token does not affect the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), we do not purchase EU Emission Allowances in the EU Registry. We depend on market liquidity for our system to function.
- Non-Transferable: Cannot be traded or exchanged with any third party.
- No Expiry Date: Unlike CBAM certificates, IMPORT Tokens do not expire, providing long-term flexibility.
- Independent Ecosystem: Operates exclusively via the IMPORT Token platform and is not subject to CBAM governance.
IMPORT Token vs. CBAM Certificates: Key Differences
While both IMPORT Tokens and CBAM certificates are linked to EU Emission Allowance price dynamics, they serve distinct purposes:
| Feature | IMPORT Token | CBAM Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Cost management and budgeting tool | Compliance instrument for CBAM |
| Validity | No expiry | Limited validity, tied to reporting periods |
| Regulatory Body | Operated independently and privately | Governed by the European Commission |
| Transferability | Non-transferable | Transferable within the CBAM framework |
| Platform | IMPORT Token ecosystem | EU Central CBAM Platform |
How the IMPORT Token Works
Eligible entities can register on the platform. Once registered, users can purchase and surrender (sell) IMPORT Tokens using their secure dashboard.
- Purchase: Entities acquire IMPORT Tokens via the dedicated platform at import.eu.
- Planning Tool: Importers could use IMPORT Token as a predictive tool to gauge future CBAM certificate costs, enhancing budgetary accuracy.
- Non-Substitution: IMPORT Tokens are not substitutes for CBAM certificates and cannot be used for compliance purposes.
Compliance and Legal Framework
IMPORT Token is not classified as a cryptocurrency or financial instrument. IMPORT Token lacks transferability, one of the defining characteristics of tokens under MiCA's scope. As such, it operates outside the scope of the EU's MiCA. Key distinctions include:
- Non-Financial Instrument: IMPORT Tokens lack speculative or investment characteristics.
- Non-Crypto Design: Operates on a centralized database, not registered with online exchanges.
- Regulatory Independence: IMPORT Token functions independently from CBAM certificates, ensuring no overlap or substitution.
Committed to Sustainability: Minimizing Environmental Impact
We prioritize eco-friendly practices in every aspect of our operations, striving to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable solutions. By integrating innovation and responsibility, we ensure our activities support environmental preservation for future generations. The IMPORT Token infrastructure consumes less than 1,600 kWh annually. This is less than an average household.