The CBAM Account Number: How to Obtain One as a South African Exporter

The CBAM Account Number is the unique identifier in the EU CBAM Registry. This guide explains how the system works and what South African exporters need to know about the registry.

Published April 2026·Last updated April 2026·carbonborderadjustment.co.za

The CBAM Account Number: How to Obtain One as a South African Exporter

The EU CBAM Registry is the central database that tracks all CBAM compliance activity — from declarant registration to certificate purchases and annual surrenders. Understanding how the registry works is essential for South African exporters navigating the CBAM compliance landscape.

The EU CBAM Registry Structure

The EU CBAM Registry is a centralised database maintained by the European Commission. It contains:

▸Authorised CBAM Declarant accounts — One per registered EU importer
▸CBAM certificate holdings — Real-time tracking of certificate purchases and surrenders
▸Annual CBAM declarations — Records of embedded emissions and certificates surrendered
▸Operator records — Information about non-EU producers (including SA exporters) who supply CBAM-covered goods

The SA Exporter's Role in the Registry

While South African exporters do not receive CBAM account numbers, they may be registered in the EU CBAM Registry as operators — the non-EU producers whose goods are being imported. This operator registration:

▸Allows EU importers to link their CBAM declarations to specific SA producers
▸Facilitates the sharing of embedded carbon data between SA exporters and EU importers
▸Enables the EU Commission to track the origin of CBAM-covered goods

Practical Steps for SA Exporters

▸Confirm your EU customers are registered — Before shipping CBAM-covered goods, verify that your EU customers are registered as Authorised CBAM Declarants
▸Prepare your embedded carbon documentation — Have your embedded carbon data ready to share with EU importers
▸Register your operations — Consider registering your production facility in the EU CBAM Registry as an operator to streamline data exchange
▸Claim SA carbon tax credits — Ensure you have documentation of any SA carbon tax paid to support your customers' deduction claims

For a complete CBAM compliance registration pathway, visit the Digital Product Passport Registry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CBAM account number?

A CBAM account number is the unique identifier assigned to an Authorised CBAM Declarant in the EU CBAM Registry. It is used to track CBAM certificate purchases, surrenders, and declarations.

Does a South African exporter get a CBAM account number?

No. CBAM account numbers are assigned to EU importers (Authorised CBAM Declarants), not to exporters. However, SA exporters may be assigned an 'operator identification number' in the EU CBAM Registry to facilitate data exchange with their EU customers.

How does the EU CBAM Registry work?

The EU CBAM Registry is a centralised database maintained by the European Commission. It tracks all Authorised CBAM Declarants, their CBAM certificate holdings, and their annual declarations. The registry is accessible online through the EU's official CBAM portal.

Can I check if my EU customer is registered in the CBAM Registry?

Yes. The EU CBAM Registry has a public search function that allows you to verify whether an EU importer is registered as an Authorised CBAM Declarant. This is important for SA exporters to confirm before shipping CBAM-covered goods.

What happens to CBAM certificates that are not surrendered?

Unused CBAM certificates can be resold back to the national competent authority within 30 days of the annual surrender deadline. Certificates cannot be carried forward to the next year.

Gate 3 — Complete Registration

✓ Gate 1 KYC · ✓ Gate 2 CBAM · Gate 3 DPP →

Digital Product Passport Registry

Complete all three compliance gates — Gate 1 KYC identity verification, Gate 2 CBAM financial authorisation, and Gate 3 Digital Product Passport registration — in one place at the DPP Registry.

Start Three Gates Registration →