Why South African buyers source scrap from Europe (and the ITAC context)
South Africa's secondary metals industry — copper cable manufacturers in Gauteng, aluminum die-casters and extruders in Johannesburg and Cape Town, brass hardware producers, and secondary smelters — has historically relied on domestic scrap collection. Since the introduction of the Preferential Pricing System (PPS) and periodic ITAC (International Trade Administration Commission) export restrictions on ferrous and non-ferrous scrap out of South Africa, domestic buyers have increasingly needed imported feedstock to maintain melt schedules — particularly for specific grades where South African arisings are limited (Millberry, clean 6063 extrusion, Troma wheels, high-grade brass). European supply fills this gap with consistent quality and full EU documentation.
Products we ship to South Africa
Copper: Millberry, Candy, Chops, Birch/Cliff — for Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni cable manufacturers. Aluminum: 6063 extrusion, 6061 structural, UBC, Taint/Tabor, Tense, Troma wheels — for aluminum re-rollers, extruders and die-casters. Brass: Honey and mixed brass solids — for the hardware, plumbing-fitting and firearm-component industries. We do not currently ship HMS to South Africa because domestic HMS supply exceeds demand under the PPS.
Shipping routes to South Africa
From Rotterdam we serve three South African ports: Durban (largest container port, serving Gauteng industrial belt via inland rail/road), Cape Town (serving Western Cape industry), and Port Elizabeth / Ngqura (serving Eastern Cape). Direct sailings Rotterdam → Durban run 22–26 days on Maersk, MSC and CMA-CGM. Cape Town via transhipment 24–28 days. Contract-to-loaded lead time 7–14 days.
ITAC awareness and SARS customs compliance
South African imports of scrap metal fall under South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs procedures with correct HS classification and documentation. While ITAC restrictions primarily affect scrap exports out of South Africa (not imports), buyers should confirm current import permit requirements with SARS based on the specific HS code and end-use. We provide fully-compliant documentation for standard scrap imports and can adapt to specific SARS pre-notification requirements where the buyer flags them.
Documentation for South African customs clearance
Every container ships with: commercial invoice, packing list, weighbridge tickets, container photographs, bill of lading, certificate of origin (EUR.1 where applicable under EU-SADC EPA), SGS/BV pre-shipment inspection certificate, and EU Annex VII waste-shipment movement document. HS codes declared correctly (7404 copper, 7602 aluminum, 7404 subheadings brass). SARS SAD500 filing prepared by the buyer's clearing agent from these documents.
Payment terms and LC handling
Standard payment terms are 30% TT advance + 70% LC at sight against B/L, or 100% LC at sight for established accounts. South African LCs are typically advised through Standard Bank, ABSA, Nedbank, First National Bank (FNB) or Investec via our Rotterdam banking. UCP 600 governs. South African Reserve Bank (SARB) FX allocation must be confirmed by the buyer before LC issuance for larger contracts.
Buyer KYC and eligibility
KYC pack required: South African CIPC company registration, SARS tax clearance, industrial licence (where applicable), VAT registration, BBBEE certificate (where required for contract eligibility), most recent bank reference, and a recent utility bill or lease. Verification 24–48 hours. We contract with licensed SA end-users (smelters, mills, cable manufacturers, extruders) and licensed importers only.
Pricing and market pattern for South African deliveries
Copper priced as percentage of LME Copper Grade A CIF Durban. Aluminum as percentage of LME P1020A. South African basis is small (0.5–1.5% typical vs. Asian benchmark) reflecting freight difference. Written CIF/FOB quotes within 24 hours of RFQ, valid 48 hours subject to LME. All invoicing in USD or EUR; buyer converts at bank TT rate on payment day.