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EU and UK ETS surcharges

Here you can find the latest updates on the UK and EU-ETS surcharges.

    This quarter's EU-ETS surcharge per TEU

    Trade lane Currency Q3 - 2026 Q2 - 2026 Q1 - 2026
    Middle East- Europe EUR 92 90 75
    Pacific- Europe EUR 78 75 65
    Indian subcontinent- Europe EUR 92 95 85
    Asia- Europe EUR 89 85 70
    North America - Europe EUR 78 75 65
    South America -Europe EUR 78 75 65
    Europe - Europe EUR 73 70 60
    Africa- Europe EUR 88 85 75

    Why did carriers introduce this surcharge?

    The EU ETS (Emissions Trading System) is a European Union climate initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since the maritime sector was included in this system, ocean carriers are legally required to purchase emission allowances (carbon credits) for the CO2 their vessels emit. Because this represents a massive new operational cost for carriers, they pass it directly on to the market as a variable surcharge per container (TEU).

    What does this mean for you as an importer?

    • Higher landed costs: For every container arriving at a European port from a non-EU (or intra-EU) country, the ETS surcharge applies. This increases your total freight costs and directly impacts the landed cost of your imported goods.

    • Variable margins: Because the surcharge fluctuates every quarter based on the current market price of carbon credits, you need to factor this variable into your margin calculations.

    What does this mean for you as an exporter?

    • Increased export costs: This levy equally applies to containers departing from a European port to a destination outside (or inside) the EU. This results in an increase in the total ocean freight costs for your outbound shipments.

    • Global competitiveness: As the cost of exporting from Europe increases, this is a crucial factor to monitor for your international pricing strategy and competitive position.

    Other key details to highlight:

    • Scope (50% vs 100%): The scheme covers 100% of emissions for voyages between two EU ports, and 50% of emissions for voyages between an EU port and a non-EU port.

    • We are in the 100% phase: The EU ETS was phased in gradually. While carriers only had to pay for 40% of their emissions in 2024, as of 2026, this requirement has reached 100%. This explains the progressive increase in these surcharges over recent years.

    • Quarterly adjustments: Carriers review and adjust the surcharge at the beginning of each quarter based on the trading value of emission allowances. Consequently, we update the rates on this page every quarter.

    New: UK emissions levy from July 1

    The UK is introducing a levy on greenhouse gas emissions from ships — similar to what the EU already does. From July 1, carriers will pay a fee based on CO₂ emitted while in UK waters, and will pass this on in your invoice. (UK government website)

    • Ships in UK ports or on domestic UK routes: fully covered from July 1.
    • International routes to/from the UK: not included yet, but may be added from 2028.
    • No phase-in — it starts at 100% immediately, unlike the EU version which introduced costs gradually.

    What this means for your shipments

    If any of your shipments call at UK ports, expect a new cost line on your invoice from July. Carriers like ONE will add this to their existing emissions surcharge (EES). We will keep you updated as carriers confirm their specific rates.

    Summary