CBAM Knowledge Base

A detailed breakdown of South African export products that fall within CBAM scope, with CN codes, export volumes, and compliance implications.

Everything South African exporters need to know about the Authorised CBAM Declarant role — who must register, how to register, and what the obligations are.

A technical guide to calculating Scope 1 and Scope 2 embedded emissions for CBAM compliance, with sector-specific methodologies and worked examples.

Understanding EU default emission values, the penalty markup structure (10% in 2026, 30% by 2028), and why providing verified actual emissions saves money.

A complete reference guide to the Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes for steel and iron products covered by CBAM Annex I, with specific relevance to South African exports.

South Africa produces 45% of the world's ferrochrome. This guide explains how CBAM applies to ferrochrome exports, how to calculate embedded emissions, and what compliance steps producers must take.

ArcelorMittal South Africa operates blast furnaces at Vanderbijlpark and Newcastle. This analysis examines their CBAM exposure for EU steel exports and the compliance pathway available to them.

A technical guide to calculating embedded emissions for steel products under CBAM, covering the EU's approved methodologies, data requirements, and verification standards.

South Africa's Carbon Tax Act and the EU CBAM both put a price on carbon. This guide explains how the two mechanisms interact and how South African steel exporters can avoid being taxed twice.

A reference guide to the CN codes for aluminium products covered by CBAM, with specific relevance to South African primary aluminium producers and downstream processors.

South32's Richards Bay aluminium smelters face significant CBAM exposure due to Eskom's coal-heavy grid. This analysis quantifies the liability and examines mitigation options.

Eskom's coal-heavy electricity grid is the single biggest driver of CBAM liability for South African aluminium producers. This article explains the problem and the solutions.

South African aluminium producers face a critical decision: use EU default emission values or invest in actual emissions verification. This guide helps you make the right choice.

CBAM is creating a green aluminium premium in EU markets. South African producers who invest in renewable energy could command higher prices while reducing CBAM costs.

A reference guide to the CN codes for fertiliser products covered by CBAM, with specific relevance to South African nitrogen fertiliser producers and exporters.

Ammonia is the feedstock for most nitrogen fertilisers and is directly in CBAM scope. This guide explains the CBAM implications for South African ammonia producers including Sasol.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from nitric acid production are included in CBAM calculations. With a GWP of 298, N₂O can dominate the carbon footprint of nitrogen fertiliser production.

Urea is the world's most widely used nitrogen fertiliser and is directly in CBAM scope. This guide explains CBAM compliance for South African urea producers and traders.

Omnia Holdings is South Africa's leading fertiliser producer. This analysis examines their CBAM exposure for any EU-bound products and the compliance pathway available to them.

A reference guide to the CN codes for cement and clinker products covered by CBAM, with specific relevance to South African cement producers and exporters.

The calcination of limestone is responsible for 60% of cement's carbon footprint and cannot be eliminated without carbon capture. This article explains the implications for South African cement exporters.

PPC and AfriSam are South Africa's two largest cement producers. This analysis examines their CBAM exposure for any EU-bound cement and clinker exports.

Replacing clinker with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) is the most accessible near-term strategy for reducing cement's CBAM liability. South Africa has abundant SCM resources.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the only technology that can address cement's unavoidable calcination emissions. This article examines the viability of CCS for South African cement plants.

Hydrogen is in CBAM scope from 1 January 2026. This guide explains the CN codes, the distinction between grey, blue, and green hydrogen, and the implications for South African producers.

CBAM makes grey hydrogen imports expensive while rewarding low-carbon production. South Africa's renewable energy resources position it as a potential green hydrogen superpower for EU markets.

Sasol produces large volumes of hydrogen from coal gasification at Secunda. This hydrogen has very high embedded emissions — making CBAM a significant challenge for any EU-bound hydrogen or hydrogen-derived products.

To benefit from low CBAM liability, South African green hydrogen producers must have their emissions verified and certified. This guide explains the certification requirements.

The EU is developing hydrogen import corridors to bring green hydrogen from Africa and the Middle East. South Africa is a priority partner. This guide explains the logistics and infrastructure.

A comprehensive guide to the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism — what it is, how it works, and what it means for South African exporters.