Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanisms for the Curious

This dialogue aimed to foster an informal discussion on BCA design between trade and environment/climate change policy officials from governments that have announced their intention to adopt or consider BCA measures, along with those that have announced ambitious climate targets, but have not yet finalized plans for how they will deal with their energy-intensive trade-exposed industries.

A sister event was also convened, bringing together countries that would be subject to BCA but have no plans to implement one. The discussion considered the relevant policy trends; the policy options available to governments in this space (including BCA) and approaches to consulting with trading partners and to incorporating the development dimension in the design of BCA policies. It also considered possibilities for international cooperation around BCAs, including suggestions for principles and elements of best practice that could form the basis for internationally cooperative approaches.

The discussion was held under the Chatham House Rule.

AGENDA

• 15:00 – 15:10
  • Welcome Remarks Nathalie Bernasconi, Senior Director, Economic Law and Policy, IISD
  • Rashid Kaukab, Executive Director, CUTS International, Geneva
• 15:10 – 15:20
  • Scene-setting Aaron Cosbey, Senior Associate, IISD
• 15:20 – 15:40
  • Presentations from governments Michèle Govier, Director-General, international Trade Policy, Finance Canada David Boublil, Deputy Head, non-VAT indirect taxes, DG TAXUD, European Union
• 15:40 – 16:10
  • Perspectives from discussants Suzanne Dröge, Senior Fellow, Global Issues, German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) Aaron Cosbey, Senior Associate, IISD
• 16:10 – 17:00
  • Open discussion Moderator: Alice Tipping, Lead, Sustainable Trade and Fisheries Subsidies, IISD
• 17:00
  • Closing remarks Alice Tipping, Lead, Sustainable Trade and Fisheries Subsidies, IISD