The second EU emissions trading system will put a carbon price on fuels for buildings and road transport, charged upstream on fuel suppliers. In March 2026 the Council formally adopted amendments that postpone its start by one year to 1 January 2028, while auctioning of allowances begins in 2027.
Key dates
- Done15 Oct 2026
Six member states reported to want ETS2 delayed until at least 2030; the issue goes to that week's European Council summit (no decision date given) Carbon Pulse
- 1 Jan 2027
Auctioning of ETS2 allowances begins (year only) International Carbon Action Partnership
- 1 Jan 2028
ETS2 starts for road transport and building fuels International Carbon Action Partnership
Every date of this rule, with what it means for a parcel and what to prepare. If a date moves, your calendar moves with it.
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Who it hits
What to prepare
- Add an ETS2 scenario to 2028 fuel surcharge and fleet electrification plans.
- Review fuel surcharge clauses so a carbon cost can be passed on transparently.
Our reading
Sources
- EU officially adopts the 2040 climate target, postpones ETS 2 by one year · International Carbon Action Partnership · 2026-03-10
- Italy, Czech Republic push EU to ease carbon rules as energy costs rise · Carbon Herald · 2026
- EU leaders put ETS2 under fresh pressure amid talks on energy crisis · Carbon Pulse · 2026-10-15
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Information, not legal advice. Dates come from official texts or quality legal and trade press, and slip often: always check the current text before acting. Back to the full radar.