White Paper: IMPORT Token
The BIG picture
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-based producers, governed by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), and third-country supply-chain entities.
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 CBAM declarants, such as EU-based importers.
Proprietary digital unit
The IMPORT Token is a non-financial digital unit designed to provide third-country supply-chain entities, generally producers CBAM-scoped goods,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.
Redeem IMPORT Tokens
When IMPORT Tokens are redeemed, the proceeds are transferred either to the bank account of the account holder or to that of a CBAM declarant. If the proceeds are transferred to a CBAM declarant, the platform will request the declarant’s CBAM account number. This is required only for the first payment. As CBAM declarants are always based in the EU, payments are made via SEPA, which typically incurs no banking fees. If IMPORT Tokens are redeemed to the account holder’s own bank account, the platform will verify that the bank account details match those used for the initial deposit.
Features
Purchasing IMPORT Tokens does not impact the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
- Non-Transferable: Cannot be traded or exchanged with any entity other than this platform.
- 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
The IMPORT Token is a proprietary digital unit available exclusively on this platform. It is not a substitute for CBAM certificates or EU Emission Allowances.
| Feature | IMPORT Token | CBAM Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Customers | Third-country supply-chain entities | CBAM Declarants (EU customs and importers) |
| Validity | Five years after issuance | Limited validity, tied to reporting periods |
| Issuer | Exclusively on this Platform | EU's CBAM Registry |
| Transferability | Non-transferable | Transferable within the CBAM framework |
| Platform | Exclusive to the IMPORT Token ecosystem | EU Central CBAM Platform |
| Volatility | € 100 (stable) | Recalculated weekly |
How the IMPORT Token Works
Eligible entities can register on the platform. Once registered, users can purchase and redeem (sell) IMPORT Tokens using their secure dashboard.
- Purchase: Entities can acquire IMPORT Tokens exclusively on the dedicated platform at import.eu.
- Redeem: Entities who have acquired IMPORT Tokens can sell these exclusively on the dedicated platform at import.eu.
- Non-Substitution: IMPORT Tokens are not substitutes for CBAM certificates and cannot be used for compliance purposes.
Compliance and Legal Framework
IMPORT Token operates off-chain and is not a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) -based crypto-asset, therefore falls outside the scope of MiCA and outside the FATF VASP definition (as applied by the EU).
- Non-Financial Instrument: IMPORT Tokens lack speculative or investment characteristics.
- Non-Crypto Design: Operates on a centralized database, not on a distributed ledger, blockchain or exchange.
- Regulatory Independence: IMPORT Token functions independently from CBAM certificates, ensuring no overlap or substitution.
Committed to Sustainability: Minimizing Environmental Impact
Tokenomics prioritizes eco-friendly practices in every aspect of our operations, striving to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable solutions. By integrating innovation and responsibility, Tokenomics ensures our activities support environmental preservation for future generations.