Summary
Details
- Spain
Law 7/2021 is legally binding and imposes enforceable obligations on both public authorities and private entities within its scope.
For companies, key obligations include:
For entities meeting size thresholds: calculate, verify and register their corporate carbon footprint in the national registry. ClimaticCo
Provide information on emissions and reduction plans as required by implementing rules.
Comply with sectoral climate measures that derive from the law (e.g. in energy, transport, buildings).
For public-sector suppliers: meet climate- and emissions-related criteria now integrated into public procurement processes. ISB Consultoría+1
Exceptions:
Smaller companies below the defined thresholds are not required to register their carbon footprint (though they may do so voluntarily). ClimaticCo
Some sector-specific obligations (e.g. energy planning, mobility restrictions) apply only to certain industries or activities.
Flexibility exists in how regional and local authorities implement certain measures, within national targets.
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What’s Required
Law 7/2021 sets Spain’s framework for decarbonising the economy, aligning with the Paris Agreement. It establishes national climate and energy targets and embeds climate criteria across energy, transport, finance, planning, and public procurement.
Companies are affected mainly through:
Climate and energy transition objectives that drive sectoral regulation (electricity, mobility, industry).
Requirements for certain large companies to calculate and register their carbon footprint in the national registry.
Climate considerations in public procurement, planning, and financial decision-making.
Important Deadlines
By 2030: reduce GHG emissions by at least 23% vs 1990, increase renewables and energy efficiency, as minimum national targets.
Long-term objective: climate neutrality no later than 2050.
Carbon footprint registration obligation currently applies to companies with an annual turnover ≥ 50 million euros or more than 250 employees.
Current Status
Law 7/2021 has been in force since 2021 and is the central climate framework for Spain.
Implementation is ongoing through royal decrees and sector-specific regulations (energy, mobility, public procurement).
It is expected to be adjusted over time to reflect increased EU climate ambition (Fit for 55, revised EU targets).
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Administrative sanctions may apply for failure to comply with obligations derived from the law and its implementing rules (e.g., failure to register carbon footprint when required, or breach of sectoral climate measures).
Non-compliance with climate-related procurement criteria may lead to exclusion from tenders or contract penalties.
The exact amount and type of penalties generally depend on specific implementing regulations and sectoral laws.
Examples of Known Violations
As of late 2025, there is no consolidated public database of enforcement cases specifically identified as “Law 7/2021 violations”. Enforcement is mainly visible through:
Controls and corrective actions in public procurement procedures.
Sectoral sanctions (e.g., energy, environmental permitting) aligned with the climate objectives of the law.
Resources
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