## Company Profile Saner Transportes Int. S.A. — Spanish freight forwarder. (Source: company memo / "Dónde estamos" page.) The firm provides international freight forwarding and logistics services (sea, air, road), customs clearance and related warehousing/door‑to‑door solutions for exporters and importers in Spain. Public details on scale are limited in the lead record; the business appears regionally focused on Spanish export corridors and Mediterranean short‑sea/road flows. ## Pain Points 1) Seasonal reefer & haulage bottlenecks around key Spanish ports (Algeciras, Valencia, Barcelona): Saner’s fresh‑produce and olive‑oil customers face concentrated harvest peaks where reefers, truckers and port gate operations are stressed — risk of missed shipments and premium spot costs. 2) Increased compliance/data burden from ICS2 (ENS v3), CBAM (definitive phase) and ETS/FuelEU impacts: exporters and carriers must supply richer declarations and emissions data; forwarders must capture HS‑level detail, EORI and carbon info at booking to avoid delays and default penalties. 3) Volatile long‑haul transit times and carbon surcharges: Red Sea and other chokepoint disruptions plus ETS carbon pass‑throughs are increasing cost volatility on Asia/Americas routes, forcing clients to seek faster/alternative channels (air, short‑sea consolidations) and better buyer intelligence to preserve margins. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] Spain export logistics 2026 – shifts in trade flows for fresh produce (fruit, veg, olive oil) to UK / EU / North Africa; congestion & route changes === **Structural demand & trade flow context** - Spain remains heavily Europe-focused for fresh produce: in 2025, 93% of Spain’s fresh fruit and vegetable export volume went to EU countries; when the UK and other non‑EU European destinations are included, this rises to 97% (11.7 mn tonnes).([fruitnet.com](https://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/spains-fresh-produce-export-volumes-down/270665.article?utm_source=openai)) - Total Spanish fruit exports in 2025 were 6.6 mn tonnes (‑1% y/y) but export value rose 6.5% to €10.5 bn, indicating higher prices and some tightening of supply.([fruitnet.com](https://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/spains-fresh-produce-export-volumes-down/270665.article?utm_source=openai)) **Route and port-level shifts (Mediterranean vs Strait of Gibraltar vs Atlantic)** - Spanish port authorities are actively marketing fresh-produce capabilities (almost 2 mn m³ of refrigerated warehouse capacity across Spanish ports, extensive reefer plugs, and reinforced border control posts) to protect and grow fruit and vegetable traffic after a decline in 2025 volumes linked to weaker global trade and lower Spanish exports.([puertos.es](https://www.puertos.es/en/comunication/spanish-ports-strengthen-their-commercial-activity-boost-fresh-produce-traffic?utm_source=openai)) - Algeciras has consolidated its role as the lead Spanish port (104.1 mn tonnes total traffic in 2024) and a key node for agro‑food exports near the Strait of Gibraltar, with direct connections to ~200 ports and 23 shipping lines.([icex.es](https://www.icex.es/content/dam/icex/asset-generales/documentos/agenda-icex/documentos-apoyo-actividades/who-is-who-logistics-supply-chain-from-spain-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Port of Algeciras is being further embedded in mainline East–West and Med networks in 2026: - In February 2026, the Gemini Cooperation (Maersk + Hapag‑Lloyd) confirmed Algeciras will be a key call on its SE1 Far East–Mediterranean loop, acting as a westbound and eastbound connection node to Adriatic ports (Koper, Rijeka).([diarioportuario.com](https://www.diarioportuario.com/en/2026/02/27/algeciras-strengthens-its-strategic-role-in-the-gemini-network-with-a-presence-in-two-key-services-starting-in-april?utm_source=openai)) - This strengthens its role for Spanish exporters consolidating Asia‑bound cargo (including high‑value citrus and veg) and for fast transhipment to Central/Eastern Europe. - Ocean Alliance networks added or adjusted 2025 services calling at Valencia, Barcelona and Algeciras on Asia‑Med and transatlantic trades, some routing via the Cape of Good Hope to avoid Red Sea risk.([diarioelcanal.com](https://www.diarioelcanal.com/ocean-alliance-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - For Spain’s fresh‑produce exporters, this has meant **longer Asia transit times (10–14 extra days on some routings) and higher freight plus insurance costs**, with carriers partially offsetting this through schedule normalization and port rotation changes.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/04/maritime-chokepoints-tighten-global-supply-chain-risk-rises?utm_source=openai)) **North Africa–Iberia corridor disruptions and competitive dynamics** - Severe weather in January 2026 temporarily closed Morocco’s Tanger Med port (waves up to 5 m), causing truck queues of ~40 km and delaying fruit and veg exports to Europe. Spanish producers reported supply chain pressure and higher spot prices as Moroccan product was delayed.([en.hespress.com](https://en.hespress.com/130734-weather-chaos-disrupts-fruit-and-vegetable-supply-chains-across-morocco-and-spain.html?utm_source=openai)) - Tanger Med handled >161 mn tonnes and >11 mn TEU in 2025, up 8.4% y/y, reinforcing its status as Spain’s main competitor for North African–EU corridor flows.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/agriculture/040126-moroccan-grain-buyers-battle-port-congestion-amid-middle-east-conflict?utm_source=openai)) - Congestion spikes there (2025–26) have intermittently **pushed more volumes and transhipment back toward Spanish ports (Algeciras, Motril, Málaga)**, especially for time‑sensitive fresh produce needing more reliable schedules. **Truck / short‑sea flows and UK / EU market access** - The dominance of EU and UK markets (97% of Spanish fruit‑veg exports) implies most export logistics remain **truck‑based via roll‑on/roll‑off and short‑sea from Mediterranean and Atlantic ports to France, Benelux, Germany and the UK**, with relatively short sea legs.([fruitnet.com](https://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/spains-fresh-produce-export-volumes-down/270665.article?utm_source=openai)) - Logistics commentary from operators in 2025 points to **operational constraints on fresh‑produce trucking from Algeciras**, with limited haulage options and poor service quality despite its role as a key citrus export port; operators report difficulties loading containers and limited alternative ports due to phytosanitary import restrictions (e.g., citrus not permitted via Málaga).([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/supplychain/comments/1n8zo2k?utm_source=openai)) - This suggests some **latent road‑side bottlenecks** even as port‑side infrastructure is strong. **Olive oil export routing** - Customs‑based shipment records for 2025 show Spanish olive oil exporters increasingly loading via Algeciras for intercontinental flows (e.g., flavour olive oil: 6 shipments / 12 TEU / 126 tonnes via Algeciras between Jan–Jul 2025).([zauba.com](https://www.zauba.com/ports-of-loading-for-flavour-olive-oil-exports-from-spain-during-2025-naog0mtdrwu7?utm_source=openai)) - Separate port statistics show overall container exports via Algeciras grew 6.8% in 1H 2025 to 104,860 loaded TEU, with olive‑oil exports through Algeciras up 21% in the same period, underlining a **shift of packaged oil flows to this hub**.([oleorevista.com](https://www.oleorevista.com/texto-diario/mostrar/5373312/crece-21-exportacion-aceite-oliva-traves-puerto-algeciras-primer-semestre?utm_source=openai)) **Macro chokepoint risk and 2026 outlook** - Global maritime chokepoint analysis (April 2026) highlights heightened congestion risk in strategic waterways (Hormuz, Panama, Malacca), with **network congestion now the main transmission channel for trade disruption** and spillovers into Atlantic and Med container networks.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/04/maritime-chokepoints-tighten-global-supply-chain-risk-rises?utm_source=openai)) - For Spain, this translates into: - Continued **volatility in long‑haul export transit times and freight rates** (especially Asia and Americas). - Increased importance of **near‑market EU/UK demand** and short sea / road combination where lead‑time and cold‑chain reliability matter more than lowest deep‑sea rate. **Implications for Spanish exporters (2026)** - **To UK and core EU**: - Trade value is holding/growing despite slightly lower volumes; export focus remains overwhelmingly European.([fruitnet.com](https://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/spains-fresh-produce-export-volumes-down/270665.article?utm_source=openai)) - Route configuration is stable (Iberia → France/Benelux/Germany/UK by road + short‑sea) but under pressure from driver availability, port labour and regulatory compliance (see ETS / FuelEU / ICS2 below). - **To North Africa**: - Reliance on Strait of Gibraltar crossings and competition/coordination with Tanger Med mean **exposure to weather‑driven closures and congestion**, requiring contingency routing via alternative Spanish ports. - **To long‑haul (Asia, Americas)**: - Exposure to Red Sea and other chokepoint disruptions has increased voyage times by up to two weeks on some loops; mainline alliances are re‑engineering rotations, with Algeciras, Valencia, Barcelona gaining importance as resilient nodes.([diarioportuario.com](https://www.diarioportuario.com/en/2026/02/27/algeciras-strengthens-its-strategic-role-in-the-gemini-network-with-a-presence-in-two-key-services-starting-in-april?utm_source=openai)) **Section 1 sources:** ([fruitnet.com](https://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/spains-fresh-produce-export-volumes-down/270665.article?utm_source=openai)) === 2. [DEMAND SIGNALS] Spain cold-chain capacity & demand – reefers and airfreight (Madrid / Barcelona) in 2026 === **Port-based cold‑chain capacity** - Spanish ports collectively promote: - **~2 million m³ of refrigerated warehouse capacity** for fresh and frozen goods. - Significant reefer plug capacity (container terminals configured for reefer traffic) and specialized fruit/veg logistics solutions.([puertos.es](https://www.puertos.es/en/comunication/spanish-ports-strengthen-their-commercial-activity-boost-fresh-produce-traffic?utm_source=openai)) - The Port of Barcelona has: - Multiple terminals (2 container + multipurpose) set up for both fresh and frozen reefer cargo. - Expanded surface and capacity for reefer traffic, with **increased numbers of reefer connections and optimized inspection processes** at the Border Control Post.([portdebarcelona.cat](https://www.portdebarcelona.cat/en/business-and-services/traffic-and-goods/containers/refrigerated-traffic-reefer?utm_source=openai)) **Reefer market conditions & seasonal demand** - A February 2026 reefer market note shows **global reefer freight rates down only ~1% y/y in Q4 2025**, indicating a relatively tight but stable market, supported by high vessel and plug capacity and lower fuel costs relative to dry cargo.([metro.global](https://metro.global/2026/02/04/refrigerated-container-market-update/?utm_source=openai)) - Spain‑focused transport analysis (Feb 2026) highlights: - **Reefer utilization on Spain’s Mediterranean corridor (Valencia, Barcelona, Algeciras)** routinely spikes in late spring and summer harvests. Carriers respond by: - Reallocating reefer units into Spanish trades, - Adding ad‑hoc feeders, and - Prioritizing backhaul planning to reduce empty repositioning.([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/reefer-transport-spain-seasonal-demand-swings?utm_source=openai)) - During these peaks, shippers often **blend short‑sea to Iberian hubs with road distribution** inland to mitigate port dwell and inland capacity constraints.([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/reefer-transport-spain-seasonal-demand-swings?utm_source=openai)) - A complementary Spanish‑language analysis (Feb 2026) notes: - **Increased operational availability of refrigerated vehicles** from Andalusia, Murcia and Valencia toward ports such as Valencia, Algeciras and Bilbao during harvest peaks, enabling higher citrus, veg and stone‑fruit throughput **without cold‑chain breaks**. - An expanded reefer truck fleet is **strengthening cold‑chain resilience**, albeit requiring more sophisticated documentation and digital coordination.([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/es/articles/spanish-reefer-capacity-harvest-seasons?utm_source=openai)) **Demand shocks from export volumes and drought** - Spanish port authority commentary (early 2026) emphasizes that despite strong infrastructure, **lower Spanish fruit & veg exports and weak global trade in 2025 caused a drop in fresh‑produce port traffic** versus 2024.([puertos.es](https://www.puertos.es/en/comunication/spanish-ports-strengthen-their-commercial-activity-boost-fresh-produce-traffic?utm_source=openai)) - In Valencia’s hinterland, a drought‑related fall in agricultural export volumes (‑8% to ‑12% during the 2024 season) directly reduced reefer container demand, contributing to a talent shift away from reefer operations.([kitalent.com](https://kitalent.com/articles/article-valencia-port-logistics-talent-gap/?utm_source=openai)) - This suggests that **reefer capacity is not fully utilized structurally; bottlenecks are more seasonal and regional than system‑wide.** **Operational pain points in fresh‑produce logistics** - Practitioner feedback from late 2025 flags **chronic operational issues in fresh‑produce logistics at Algeciras**, including: - Limited haulier options, - Difficulties in loading containers, - Reliance on third‑party warehouses and quality control. - Work‑arounds (e.g., shifting to Málaga) are constrained by phytosanitary restrictions on citrus imports via Málaga.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/supplychain/comments/1n8zo2k?utm_source=openai)) - This indicates that **cold‑chain risk is as much about inland and gate operations as about physical reefer capacity.** **Airfreight capacity & perishable flows (Madrid / Barcelona)** - Aena data for 2025: - Spanish airports handled **394,724 tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2025** (Aena base prospectus), confirming a strong airfreight platform.([cnmv.es](https://www.cnmv.es/webservices/verdocumento/ver?e=sWPj2GVzwtDD28AcViMus6EpI%2BiFfPy6xtr5zzoQYHkQuBXcwhxHTTOZtrpRPSAM&utm_source=openai)) - Full‑year 2025 cargo for the Aena network reached **~0.395 mn tonnes**, up **7.9% y/y**.([aena.es](https://www.aena.es/doc/pressdetail/260113-aena-estadisticas-2025en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Barcelona‑El Prat alone handled **200,741 tonnes of cargo in 2025 (+10.5% y/y)**, with a record **17,341 tonnes in December 2025 (+17.1% y/y)**, evidencing tight year‑end capacity and strong demand.([elpais.com](https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2026-01-13/el-aeropuerto-de-el-prat-cerro-2025-con-575-millones-de-pasajeros-por-encima-de-su-limite-teorico.html?utm_source=openai)) - Passenger volumes at both Madrid (68.2 mn, +3%) and Barcelona (57.5 mn, +4.4%) are above pre‑COVID, implying **belly‑hold capacity is back and expanding**, relevant for high‑value perishables.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_busiest_airports_in_Spain?utm_source=openai)) - Aena’s 2025–26 route‑development strategy calls on Chinese carriers to multiply traffic six‑fold to reach **1.5 mn passengers to/from China by 2026** at Madrid + Barcelona, more than 70% above 2024 levels.([cincodias.elpais.com](https://cincodias.elpais.com/companias/2025-06-03/aena-llama-a-las-aerolineas-chinas-a-mutiplicar-por-seis-su-trafico-en-barajas-y-el-prat.html?utm_source=openai)) - Increased long‑haul Asia frequencies imply **more wide‑body belly capacity**, which can be leveraged for high‑value fruit/veg and seafood exports on premium lanes. - Airlines are positioning Spain as a perishables hub: - IAG Cargo’s “Constant Fresh” product uses Madrid as a key hub with **dedicated “cool & fast” trucks and airside cool facilities** aimed at fruits, vegetables, flowers and fish; this reinforces Spain’s ability to move high‑value perishables by air under controlled temperature.([int.staging.iagcargo.com](https://int.staging.iagcargo.com/en/products/constant-fresh/?utm_source=openai)) **Demand and capacity balance – signals for 2026 peak seasons** - Market commentary (Spain and global) indicates: - **Reefer box availability is generally adequate**, with marginal rate declines, but short spikes and roll‑overs can be expected during Spanish harvest peaks (citrus, berries, stone fruit, vegetables) as utilization on Spain’s Med corridor rises.([metro.global](https://metro.global/2026/02/04/refrigerated-container-market-update/?utm_source=openai)) - Inland reefer truck capacity has been expanded, but is stressed in specific corridors (e.g., citrus from Andalusia to Algeciras/Valencia) and during concentrated harvest windows.([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/es/articles/spanish-reefer-capacity-harvest-seasons?utm_source=openai)) - Air cargo is capacity‑positive in aggregate, with strong y/y growth in tonnage and continued route expansion, which should help absorb **urgent or high‑margin perishable shipments when ocean capacity tightens.**([aena.es](https://www.aena.es/doc/pressdetail/260113-aena-estadisticas-2025en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for 2026 planning** - Expect **tight but manageable reefer availability** for Spanish fresh‑produce exporters in 2026 if bookings are made early and carriers are given forecast visibility. - The main risks are: - **Local bottlenecks** (haulage and warehouse operations around Algeciras and some smaller ports).([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/supplychain/comments/1n8zo2k?utm_source=openai)) - **Weather and chokepoint disruptions** that can temporarily tie up reefer equipment and vessels, especially on long‑haul loops.([en.hespress.com](https://en.hespress.com/130734-weather-chaos-disrupts-fruit-and-vegetable-supply-chains-across-morocco-and-spain.html?utm_source=openai)) - Madrid and Barcelona air hubs offer **growing capacity and specialized cool‑chain services**, which can act as a premium‑priced safety valve for peak‑season or high‑value categories (berries, exotics, premium veg and seafood). **Section 2 sources:** ([puertos.es](https://www.puertos.es/en/comunication/spanish-ports-strengthen-their-commercial-activity-boost-fresh-produce-traffic?utm_source=openai)) === 3. [TIMING SIGNALS] EU regulatory changes 2026 – freight forwarders & exporters (customs digitalisation / ENS, Green Deal carbon reporting ETS CBAM transport sector 2026 latest) === **3.1 Customs digitalisation – ICS2 / Entry Summary Declaration** - **ICS2 (Import Control System 2)** is the EU’s new pre‑arrival safety/security system, requiring an **Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for all goods entering or transiting the EU**: - It has been rolled out in phases across modes since 2021.([taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-03/ics2-factsheet-en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Software release 3.1.0.0 went live on 19 July 2025, with older ICS2 v2 ENS message formats decommissioned on **3 February 2026**. After this date, legacy messages cannot be amended.([taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-security/import-control-system-2-ics2-0_en?utm_source=openai)) - **Phase 3 – all modes (including maritime, road, rail)**: - EU guidance states that rail and road operators were expected to apply new ICS2 security rules from **1 September 2025**, with temporary derogations via NCTS Phase 5 allowed up to 31 December 2025 in certain states.([taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/online-services/online-services-and-databases-customs/new-computerised-transit-system-ncts_en?prefLang=lv&utm_source=openai)) - A March 2025 guidance note confirms that with Phase 3, **rail and road are fully under ICS2** as of 1 March 2025; freight forwarders handling cross‑border trucking now need to submit ENS data too.([douanedoc.com](https://douanedoc.com/en/kennisbank/ics2-fase-3/?utm_source=openai)) - A May 2026 customs‑advisory update notes that **ICS2 is mandatory across all transport modes as of 3 February 2026**, meaning carriers, forwarders and hauliers must use version‑3 messaging for all ENS filings.([customssupport.com](https://www.customssupport.com/eu-customs-pre-arrival-security-and-safety-program-ics2/?utm_source=openai)) - **Data granularity requirements**: - ENS filings under ICS2 now require: - Accurate commercial descriptions of goods, - At least HS‑6 (ideally HS‑8) codes, - Detailed parties (seller, buyer, consignee, consignor) and EORI numbers where applicable.([eeas.europa.eu](https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/2024/KP-04-23-828-EN-N_0.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Implications 2026:** - Forwarders and exporters in Spain must ensure **front‑end systems capture HS‑6+, party and routing data in a format compatible with ICS2 ENS**, particularly for road/rail legs feeding Spanish ports and for multimodal flows to/from UK and North Africa. **3.2 EU ETS – maritime shipping at 100% coverage from 2026** - The EU ETS was extended to maritime transport from **1 January 2024**.([climate.ec.europa.eu](https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/transport-decarbonisation/reducing-emissions-shipping-sector/faq-maritime-transport-eu-emissions-trading-system-ets_bg?utm_source=openai)) - Phase‑in of surrender obligations for ships ≥5,000 GT on intra‑EU routes and 50% of emissions on extra‑EU legs: - 40% of emissions covered in 2024, - 70% in 2025, - **100% from 2026 onward.**([climate.ec.europa.eu](https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/transport-decarbonisation/reducing-emissions-shipping-sector/faq-maritime-transport-eu-emissions-trading-system-ets_bg?utm_source=openai)) - The Commission’s first implementation report (March 2025) estimated that: - ETS for maritime **increased total shipping costs ~3.7% in 2024**, assuming no behavioural change; larger increases are expected in 2025 and 2026 as coverage ramps to 100%.([clecat.org](https://www.clecat.org/media/first-report-on-the-implementation-of-the-ets-extension-to-maritime-transport.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Shipping‑sector analysis in early 2026 suggests: - A 10,000 TEU Asia–Europe container vessel may face **€7–11 mn/year in ETS carbon costs at full implementation (100% coverage at ~€80/EUA)**.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/ShippingStocks/comments/1rlcxkm/2026_is_the_year_shipping_regulation_gets_real_eu/?utm_source=openai)) - For Spanish exporters: - Expect **carbon cost pass‑throughs in ocean freight rates from 2026**, with stronger visibility on ETS surcharges in contract rates, especially for long‑haul services calling at Spanish ports. - Freight forwarders may differentiate services by offering **low‑carbon routing and vessel options**, linked to ETS exposure. **3.3 FuelEU Maritime – GHG‑intensity limits from 1 January 2025** - FuelEU Maritime (Regulation (EU) 2023/1805) applies to ships ≥5,000 GT calling EU ports (regardless of flag): - **In force from 1 January 2025**.([emissions.balticexchange.com](https://emissions.balticexchange.com/en/eu-regulations/fueleu.html?utm_source=openai)) - Sets binding targets for the **annual average GHG intensity of energy used on board**, with a step change of **‑2% vs 2020 baseline in 2025**, tightening in five‑year increments through 2050.([observatory.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu](https://observatory.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu/eu-policy/fueleu-maritime?utm_source=openai)) - Implications: - Carriers using Spanish ports must start **blending lower‑carbon fuels or improving operational efficiency** to avoid FuelEU penalties from 2025 onwards. - For 2026 contract cycles, forwarders may see: - FuelEU surcharges, - Differentiated pricing for low‑GHG services, - Requirements to provide emissions data to shippers for Scope‑3 accounting. **3.4 ETS2 – road transport & buildings (indirect freight impacts)** - A separate ETS2 will cover **fuel combustion in buildings and road transport** starting **2027**, with obligations for fuel suppliers and knock‑on impacts on diesel prices.([climate.ec.europa.eu](https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/carbon-markets/ets2-buildings-road-transport-and-additional-sectors_en?prefLang=lt&utm_source=openai)) - Timing signal for 2026: - Although ETS2 starts in 2027, **market participants will start pricing in expected carbon cost on road fuel** during 2026, affecting forward contracts for trucking and last‑mile distribution within Spain and across the EU. **3.5 CBAM – definitive phase from 1 January 2026** - The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) transitioned from the **transitional reporting phase (Oct 2023–Dec 2025)** to the **definitive phase on 1 January 2026**.([jonesday.com](https://www.jonesday.com/en/insights/2026/03/the-cbam-definitive-phase-between-regulatory-ambition-and-political-hesitation?utm_source=openai)) - Key timing / compliance milestones: - From 1 Jan 2026, **only authorised CBAM declarants may import CBAM‑covered goods** (cement, iron & steel, aluminium, fertilisers, hydrogen, electricity, and some precursors) into the EU customs territory.([climat.be](https://climat.be/cbam-en/functioning-and-legal-basis/how-cbam-will-be-implemented-/definitive-phase?utm_source=openai)) - For 2026 imports, the **first annual CBAM declaration is due by 31 May 2027** (some sources note 30 September 2027 depending on national implementation; authorities are converging on Q2–Q3 2027 deadlines).([cbamguide.com](https://cbamguide.com/learn/what-is-cbam/?utm_source=openai)) - Purchase and surrender of CBAM certificates begins in 2027, but **importers must accrue costs throughout 2026** based on embedded emissions and evolving EU ETS prices.([learn.carbonchain.io](https://learn.carbonchain.io/en/articles/13223410-cbam-phases-and-timelines-2023-2027?utm_source=openai)) - Micro‑importer exemption: imports <50 tonnes/year of CBAM goods (excluding electricity and hydrogen) are exempt from CBAM obligations.([rmboulanger.com](https://www.rmboulanger.com/blog/news-2025-14/cbam-enters-its-definitive-phase-what-importers-need-to-know-220?utm_source=openai)) - Practical experience as of early 2026: - Many importers have been slow to register; in some member states **up to 50% of importers had not yet registered as CBAM declarants** by early 2026, indicating implementation risk and likely enforcement tightening toward the end of 2026.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/climatepolicy/comments/1qpbc3d/cbam-reporting-in-practice-how-are-emissions/?utm_source=openai)) - Relevance for agro‑food exporters and forwarders: - CBAM does **not yet apply directly to most agricultural commodities**, but: - Fertilisers and some processed inputs are covered, influencing farm input costs.([jonesday.com](https://www.jonesday.com/en/insights/2026/03/the-cbam-definitive-phase-between-regulatory-ambition-and-political-hesitation?utm_source=openai)) - Exporters shipping CBAM‑covered materials (e.g., steel packaging, aluminium cans) into the EU must provide emissions data to EU importers for inclusion in CBAM declarations.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/carbonaccounting/comments/1qpbh52/cbam-reporting_in_practice_how_are_emissions/?utm_source=openai)) - Freight forwarders with Spain–third‑country flows must integrate **CBAM data exchange into booking and documentation flows** from 2026 onward. **3.6 Overall timing map for 2026 and actions for Spanish freight forwarders/exporters** - **Now (2026)**: - ICS2 v3 ENS is mandatory across all modes; exporters must provide richer data at booking/shipping instruction stage.([customssupport.com](https://www.customssupport.com/eu-customs-pre-arrival-security-and-safety-program-ics2/?utm_source=openai)) - EU ETS maritime hits **100% coverage**, leading to visible ETS surcharges on ocean freight and stronger incentives to choose efficient routings and vessels.([climate.ec.europa.eu](https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/transport-decarbonisation/reducing-emissions-shipping-sector/faq-maritime-transport-eu-emissions-trading-system-ets_bg?utm_source=openai)) - FuelEU Maritime is in force with a ‑2% GHG‑intensity target relative to 2020; carriers are adapting fuel mixes and operations.([observatory.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu](https://observatory.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu/eu-policy/fueleu-maritime?utm_source=openai)) - CBAM is in its definitive phase; data‑collection processes across supply chains must be operational to avoid default values and higher costs.([jonesday.com](https://www.jonesday.com/en/insights/2026/03/the-cbam-definitive-phase-between-regulatory-ambition-and-political-hesitation?utm_source=openai)) - **Imminent (2026–27)**: - First CBAM definitive‑phase declarations and certificate purchase obligations (covering 2026 imports) come due in 2027; failure to prepare in 2026 will translate into penalties and reliance on high default emissions factors.([cbamguide.com](https://cbamguide.com/learn/what-is-cbam/?utm_source=openai)) - ETS2 for road transport and buildings launches in 2027; trucking and warehouse energy costs begin to reflect carbon pricing, affecting door‑to‑door logistics rates.([climate.ec.europa.eu](https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/carbon-markets/ets2-buildings-road-transport-and-additional-sectors_en?prefLang=lt&utm_source=openai)) **Section 3 sources:** ([taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-security/import-control-system-2-ics2-0_en?utm_source=openai)) Sources: • Spanish fresh produce exports decline 4 per cent in volume amid rising costs and competition | Fruitnet https://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/spains-fresh-produce-export-volumes-down/270665.article?utm_source=openai • Spanish fresh produce exports decline 4 per cent in volume amid rising costs and competition | Fruitnet https://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/spains-fresh-produce-export-volumes-down/270665.article?utm_source=openai • Spanish ports strengthen their commercial activity to boost fresh produce traffic | Puertos del Estado https://www.puertos.es/en/comunication/spanish-ports-strengthen-their-commercial-activity-boost-fresh-produce-traffic?utm_source=openai • Who is Who Logistics & Supply Chain from Spain A https://www.icex.es/content/dam/icex/asset-generales/documentos/agenda-icex/documentos-apoyo-actividades/who-is-who-logistics-supply-chain-from-spain-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai • Algeciras strengthens its strategic role in the Gemini network with a presence in two key services starting in April https://www.diarioportuario.com/en/2026/02/27/algeciras-strengthens-its-strategic-role-in-the-gemini-network-with-a-presence-in-two-key-services-starting-in-april?utm_source=openai • Cuatro servicios de la Ocean Alliance recalarán en puertos españoles en el 2025 | El Canal Marítimo y Logístico https://www.diarioelcanal.com/ocean-alliance-2025/?utm_source=openai • Maritime Chokepoints Tighten, Global Supply Chain Risk Rises | S&P Global https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/04/maritime-chokepoints-tighten-global-supply-chain-risk-rises?utm_source=openai • Weather chaos disrupts fruit and vegetable supply chains across Morocco and Spain https://en.hespress.com/130734-weather-chaos-disrupts-fruit-and-vegetable-supply-chains-across-morocco-and-spain.html?utm_source=openai • Moroccan grain buyers battle port congestion amid Middle East conflict | S&P Global https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/agriculture/040126-moroccan-grain-buyers-battle-port-congestion-amid-middle-east-conflict?utm_source=openai • Spanish fresh produce exports decline 4 per cent in volume amid rising costs and competition | Fruitnet https://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/spains-fresh-produce-export-volumes-down/270665.article?utm_source=openai • Algeciras strengthens its strategic role in the Gemini network with a presence in two key services starting in April https://www.diarioportuario.com/en/2026/02/27/algeciras-strengthens-its-strategic-role-in-the-gemini-network-with-a-presence-in-two-key-services-starting-in-april?utm_source=openai