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 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 participants in the EU supply chain, such as EU-based importers.
Proprietary digital unit
The IMPORT Token is a non-financial digital unit designed to provide EU supply-chain participants 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.
IMPORT Token price calculation
The IMPORT Token price is publised every monday and follows the price of EU Emission Allowances (EUAs) on the last trading day, as published by the European Energy Exchange (EEX).
IMPORT Tokens have no monetary value outside the platform. This platform is not an exchange; only the IMPORT Token is offered.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Global to EU supply chain organizations | CBAM Declarants |
| Validity | No expiry date | Limited validity, tied to reporting periods |
| Issuer | Private: IMPORT Token Platform | EU's CBAM Registry |
| Transferability | Non-transferable | Transferable within the CBAM framework |
| Platform | Exclusive to the 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 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.