Question 1

What are the phases of CBAM implementation?

Accepted Answer

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is being implemented in two phases: a transitional phase and a permanent phase.The CBAM transitional phase runs from October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025 and requires EU importers to report the embedded greenhouse gas emissions of in-scope goods on a quarterly basis, without purchasing CBAM certificates.The CBAM permanent phase begins on January 1, 2026. From this point forward, importers must submit annual emissions declarations and purchase CBAM certificates to cover a growing share of embedded emissions, with full financial coverage required by 2034.

Question 2

What is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

Accepted Answer

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU regulation that places a carbon price on certain imported goods based on their embedded emissions.CBAM is designed to prevent carbon leakage by ensuring imported products face a comparable carbon cost to goods produced within the EU under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The regulation currently applies to carbon-intensive goods such as iron and steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen, and requires importers to calculate and report emissions using defined EU methodologies.

Question 3

What is a CBAM certificate?

Accepted Answer

A CBAM certificate is a tradable unit that represents one tonne of CO₂-equivalent emissions embedded in imported goods subject to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.During the CBAM permanent phase, EU importers must purchase and surrender CBAM certificates annually to account for the emissions associated with their imports. Certificate prices are linked to the average EU ETS carbon price, and the number of certificates required may be reduced if a carbon price was already paid in the country of origin. Accurate supplier emissions data helps minimize certificate costs.

Question 4

Why are suppliers receiving more data requests from customers?

Accepted Answer

Due to increasing geopolitical uncertainty, shifting buyer expectations, and rapidly evolving regulations, suppliers are facing significantly more inquiries about their product and supply chain data. Some suppliers have seen up to a 500% year-over-year increase in requests. Managing this increase with manual processes or spreadsheets is no longer sustainable. AI-native technology and expert support are now essential for keeping up.

Question 5

How does Assent support suppliers in managing complex data requirements?

Accepted Answer

Assent combines AI-native automation with real human guidance. The platform simplifies data submission, allows you to upload data once and share it with multiple customers, and provides clear workflows. Meanwhile, supplier success specialists offer hands-on support, clarify requirements, provide training, and deliver supplier-focused education, turning overwhelming demands into manageable steps.

Question 6

What benefits do suppliers gain from using the Assent Sustainability Platform?

Accepted Answer

The platform acts as a central hub for responding to customer requests quickly and accurately. Assent specialists help suppliers get set up, navigate the system, configure catalogs and parts, and remove roadblocks. This leads to higher submission rates, fewer errors, and reduced workload, especially with tools like Request Manager, which allows suppliers to manage all data requests in one place,  even from companies not using Assent.

Question 7

How does Assent ensure ongoing success for suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Assent’s approach includes proactive issue resolution and continuous product improvement. Supplier success specialists help identify problems early, prevent repeated issues, and streamline workflows. They also gather real supplier feedback that guides updates to the platform, campaign strategy, and overall customer success approach, ensuring the system continually aligns with supplier needs.

Question 8

What are the Minnesota PFAS reporting rule requirements?

Accepted Answer

Minnesota’s final PFAS reporting rule requires manufacturers to report all products containing intentionally added PFAS that are sold, offered, or distributed in the state, including online sales. The rule covers a broad product scope, including fluoropolymers such as PTFE. Manufacturers must submit detailed product information, PFAS functions, and concentration ranges through Minnesota’s new PRISM reporting system. A one-time $800 fee per manufacturer applies, and most reported information will be publicly accessible unless trade-secret protection is approved.

Question 9

What is PRISM for PFAS reporting?

Accepted Answer

PRISM (PFAS Reporting and Information System for Manufacturers) is Minnesota’s new online platform for submitting PFAS product data. Launching January 2026, PRISM will serve as the centralized system for Minnesota’s PFAS reporting program and is designed to support multi-state adoption in the future. Manufacturers will use PRISM to register, prepare submissions, report PFAS in products, request waivers, and manage trade-secret claims.

Question 10

What is the Minnesota PFAS reporting deadline?

Accepted Answer

The initial Minnesota PFAS reporting deadline is July 1, 2026. This deadline applies to all in-scope products sold or distributed in the state. Beginning February 2027, manufacturers must report all new products containing intentionally added PFAS by February 1 each year. Ongoing re-reporting is not required unless a product changes, making it essential for companies to maintain a scalable, repeatable PFAS tracking process.

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Tag: PFAS