CBAM and Fertilisers: A Complete Guide for African Fertiliser Exporters
How the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism applies to fertiliser exports from Africa, covering ammonia, urea, nitric acid, and mixed fertilisers.
CBAM-Covered Fertiliser Products
The CBAM Regulation covers a specific list of fertiliser products under CN codes 28-31. The key covered products are:
- ▸Ammonia (NH₃): EU default 2.85 tCO₂/t
- ▸Nitric acid: EU default 1.47 tCO₂/t
- ▸Urea: EU default 2.31 tCO₂/t
- ▸Mixed nitrogen fertilisers (NPK, NP, NK, AN): Variable defaults
The Haber-Bosch Process and CBAM
The dominant source of embedded emissions in fertiliser production is the Haber-Bosch process — the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen. The hydrogen feedstock is typically produced from natural gas (steam methane reforming), which generates approximately 1.6-2.0 tCO₂ per tonne of NH₃ produced.
African Fertiliser Producers
| Country | Key Producer | Feedstock | CBAM Exposure | |---|---|---|---| | South Africa | Omnia (Sasolburg) | Coal/gas | High | | Egypt | Abu Qir Fertilisers | Natural gas | Medium | | Morocco | OCP Group | Phosphate + gas | Medium | | Nigeria | Dangote Fertiliser | Natural gas | Medium |
The Green Hydrogen Opportunity
The most significant CBAM reduction strategy for African fertiliser producers is the transition to green hydrogen — hydrogen produced via electrolysis powered by renewable electricity. Green ammonia has embedded emissions of approximately 0.1-0.3 tCO₂/t (vs 2.85 tCO₂/t for conventional ammonia), reducing CBAM costs by over 90%.
Namibia and Morocco are both developing green hydrogen export projects that could supply green ammonia to EU fertiliser markets at a significant CBAM advantage.
South African Context
South Africa's Omnia Holdings produces ammonia at Sasolburg using coal-derived synthesis gas. With actual embedded emissions likely above the EU default of 2.85 tCO₂/t, Omnia faces a strategic choice: invest in green hydrogen transition or accept increasing CBAM costs through the 2030s.
Register at the Digital Product Passport Registry to begin your fertiliser CBAM compliance assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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