CBAM and the KwaZulu-Natal Mining Corridor: Richards Bay and Durban Port Exporters

The KwaZulu-Natal mining corridor — from the Northern Cape through Gauteng to Richards Bay — is South Africa's primary export route for CBAM-covered goods. This guide covers the specific CBAM implications for KZN-based exporters.

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

CBAM and the KwaZulu-Natal Mining Corridor: Richards Bay and Durban Port Exporters

The KwaZulu-Natal mining corridor — stretching from the Northern Cape manganese fields through the Bushveld Complex to Richards Bay — is South Africa's primary export route for CBAM-covered goods. Understanding the CBAM implications for this corridor is essential for exporters operating in the region.

The KZN Export Corridor

The KZN export corridor handles the bulk of South Africa's CBAM-exposed exports:

| Commodity | Production Region | Export Port | |-----------|------------------|-------------| | Aluminium | Richards Bay (Hillside) | Richards Bay | | Manganese ore | Northern Cape (Kalahari) | Port Elizabeth / Richards Bay | | Ferrochrome | Bushveld Complex (Limpopo/NW) | Richards Bay / Durban | | Steel products | Gauteng (Vanderbijlpark, Newcastle) | Durban | | Fertilisers | Gauteng (Sasolburg, Secunda) | Durban |

Richards Bay: The Bulk Export Hub

Richards Bay is South Africa's primary bulk export port and handles the largest volumes of CBAM-covered goods:

Hillside Aluminium (South32) — The largest aluminium smelter in Africa, located in the Richards Bay IDZ. Exports approximately 720,000 tonnes of primary aluminium annually, with a significant portion going to EU markets.

Richards Bay Minerals (Rio Tinto) — Produces titanium slag and zircon, which may be subject to CBAM Phase 2 expansion.

Foskor — Produces phosphate fertilisers at Richards Bay, which are covered by CBAM.

Durban: The Container and Break-Bulk Hub

Durban is South Africa's busiest container port and handles a wide range of CBAM-covered goods in containerised and break-bulk form:

Steel products — Containerised and break-bulk steel from ArcelorMittal Vanderbijlpark and Newcastle works.

Fertilisers — Bagged and bulk fertilisers from Sasol and AECI operations in Gauteng.

Ferrochrome — Some ferrochrome exports transit through Durban, particularly from Bushveld Complex producers.

CBAM Compliance for KZN Exporters

KZN-based exporters should:

▸Identify your CBAM exposure — Determine which of your products are covered by CBAM and estimate your annual EU export volumes
▸Calculate your embedded carbon — Use the CBAM Calculator for a preliminary estimate
▸Engage a verifier — Contact an accredited verification body to begin the verification process
▸Register at the DPP Registry — Complete your CBAM compliance registration at the Digital Product Passport Registry

CBAM is not a future requirement — it is live now. As of January 1, 2026, South African exporters shipping goods above 50 tonnes to the EU must have a Carbon Border Adjustment declaration or their shipment will be blocked. This is Gate 2 of 3. Complete your KYC identity verification first, then return here to understand your CBAM obligations, then register at the Digital Product Passport Registry to complete all three gates in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Richards Bay important for CBAM compliance?

Richards Bay is South Africa's primary bulk export port and the export point for most CBAM-covered goods, including aluminium (Hillside Aluminium), coal, and bulk minerals. The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) hosts several CBAM-exposed industries.

What CBAM-covered goods are exported through Durban port?

Durban port handles a significant volume of steel products (from ArcelorMittal Vanderbijlpark and Newcastle), fertilisers (from Sasol and AECI), and some aluminium. It is South Africa's busiest container port and handles both bulk and containerised CBAM-covered goods.

Are there any CBAM compliance services available at SA ports?

CBAM compliance services are not currently offered at SA ports, but several customs brokers and freight forwarders operating at Richards Bay and Durban have developed CBAM expertise. The Digital Product Passport Registry also provides remote CBAM compliance support.

How does CBAM affect the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ)?

The Richards Bay IDZ hosts several CBAM-exposed industries, including Hillside Aluminium, Foskor (phosphate fertilisers), and various steel processing operations. CBAM compliance is becoming a key consideration for new industrial investments in the IDZ.

What is the impact of CBAM on SA coal exports?

Coal is not currently covered by CBAM. However, the EU has been reducing coal imports as part of its energy transition, and SA coal exporters are increasingly redirecting exports to Asian markets. CBAM does not directly affect coal exports.

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 →