KSA and Italy's ICMQ Form Global Partnership for CBAM Verification

Korea Standards Association Signs MOU with ICMQ
to Provide CBAM Verification Support for Domestic Exporters

The Korea Standards Association announced on the 17th that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ICMQ, a leading Italian inspection and certification body, to support domestic companies in CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) verification.

ICMQ is a prestigious European inspection and certification body operating over 60 product certification and environmental regulation verification schemes, mainly in the construction sector. CBAM is a system that calculates the carbon emissions generated during the production process of six imported products?cement, electricity, fertilizers, steel, aluminum, and hydrogen?produced outside the EU and imposes costs accordingly. Consequently, companies exporting these products to the EU must calculate their carbon emissions and submit a report. Notably, starting from January 1, 2026, CBAM reports must undergo third-party verification by an accredited inspection body.

Through this agreement, the Korea Standards Association will serve as ICMQ’s official partner in Korea and provide CBAM report verification services to domestic export companies. Korean companies will be able to obtain verification (opinion) reports from a European accredited inspection body through the Korea Standards Association. This is expected to offer practical support to companies facing challenges such as lack of specialized personnel, insufficient information, and difficulties accessing European verification bodies ahead of CBAM implementation.

Furthermore, the two organizations plan to expand cooperation not only on CBAM but also on various carbon neutrality-related verification projects such as carbon footprint and environmental product declarations. Dongmin Moon, President of the Korea Standards Association, stated, “CBAM is an important environmental regulation that significantly impacts major Korean export companies such as those in steel and aluminum,” adding, “As the top verification body for Korea’s emissions trading system, the association will do its best to help companies respond stably not only to CBAM but also to overseas environmental regulations.”