LME integrates CBAM-aligned emissions tracking into listed aluminium businesses — must submit data from June ’25

In a market increasingly ruled by emissions accountability, the LME has stepped forward with a landmark measure to align metals trading with the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). As of June 15, 2025, all listed aluminium brands are required to submit verified emissions data through LMEpassport, the exchange’s digital certificate system.

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At its core, the initiative is about harmonising with Brussels. The LME emissions reporting form asks producers to disclose Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, tailored precisely to match EU CBAM standards. Reporting is mandatory for brands under Primary Aluminium, Aluminium Alloy, and NASAAC. Prior to the recent development, on May 1 2024, the LME released a consultation on the proposed integration of the EU CBAM requirements into the LME Rulebook in respect of LME Primary Aluminium, Aluminium Alloy and North American Special Aluminium Alloy (NASAAC) to support the aluminium market.

LME puts data at the centre of decarbonisation

For now, the process is relatively painless, with no third-party verification required in the first year, as the inaugural upload closed a day ago, on June 15. Annual reporting has now become routine, with the bar raised in April 2027 when independent verification kicks in.

Until then, producers can opt to keep emissions data private, visible only to the LME, warehouse operators (where applicable), and the legal owner of the metal. Alternatively, they may choose to disclose both CBAM and IAI-aligned emissions data publicly via their LMEpassport profile.

“Each LME-listed brand will be required to fill in the LME emissions reporting form (Excel) and then upload the completed form to LMEpassport each year. LMEpassport will then associate the uploaded form with any CoA that is linked to that particular brand.

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Using this method, producers will not have to change their current CoA process, and future metal owners will be able to receive and view relevant emissions information when they receive a warrant,” the exchange has declared.