Cost Reference
Demurrage Rates at Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) Container Terminal
The Port of Port Elizabeth (officially renamed Gqeberha) is South Africa's third-largest container port. Demurrage charges at Port Elizabeth accrue from the first day a container is detained by SARS Customs. At Maersk's published rate of ZAR 6,693 per day for a standard 20-foot container, a 10-day detention costs more than ZAR 66,000 — significantly more than the cost of PVoC compliance.
Port Elizabeth Container Terminal
South Africa's Third-Largest Container Port
The Port of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), operated by Transnet Port Terminals, is South Africa's third-largest container port. It handles approximately 600,000 TEUs per year and serves as the primary gateway for imports into the Eastern Cape. It is also a significant port for automotive industry imports and exports.
Port Elizabeth is a port of call for many shipping lines that serve the South Africa trade lane. Importers who ship to Port Elizabeth should be aware of the demurrage rates and the financial consequences of detention.
Demurrage Rates
What Shipping Lines Charge at Port Elizabeth
Demurrage rates at Port Elizabeth are comparable to those at Durban and Cape Town. Maersk's published demurrage rate for South African ports (which applies to all major South African ports) is ZAR 6,693 per day for a standard 20-foot container (as of 2026). Other major shipping lines have similar rates.
As at other South African ports, demurrage rates at Port Elizabeth are tiered — the daily rate typically increases after the first few days of detention. Demurrage charges accrue from the moment the shipping line's free time expires.
In addition to shipping line demurrage, detained containers at Port Elizabeth incur storage charges from Transnet Port Terminals. These charges accrue separately from shipping line demurrage and are the importer's responsibility.
The Financial Case for Compliance
Break-Even Analysis
At ZAR 6,693 per day in shipping line demurrage alone, a 10-day detention at Port Elizabeth costs ZAR 66,930. Adding port storage charges, the total cost of a 10-day detention can exceed ZAR 80,000–100,000 for a single 20-foot container.
The CoC Vault minting fee is 2% of CIF value for shipments up to R1 million. For a R500,000 shipment, the minting fee is R10,000 — equivalent to less than two days of demurrage. The financial case for compliance is clear.
Importers who ship to Port Elizabeth should ensure that PVoC CoCs are obtained before goods are shipped and that the verification URL is available to their clearing agent before the SAD 500 is submitted.
Automotive Industry Importers
Port Elizabeth and the Automotive Sector
Port Elizabeth is particularly significant for automotive industry importers because of its proximity to the Eastern Cape automotive manufacturing cluster (Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and other manufacturers). Automotive parts and accessories are regulated goods under the PVoC programme, and importers of automotive parts through Port Elizabeth must obtain PVoC CoCs before shipment.
The automotive sector is one of the highest-volume regulated product categories at Port Elizabeth. SARS Customs is expected to enforce PVoC requirements rigorously for automotive parts from 20 September 2026.
What are the demurrage rates at Port Elizabeth?
Maersk's published demurrage rate for South African ports is ZAR 6,693 per day for a standard 20-foot container (as of 2026). This rate applies to Port Elizabeth as well as Durban and Cape Town. Storage charges from Transnet Port Terminals accrue separately.
Are Port Elizabeth demurrage rates different from Durban?
Major shipping lines typically apply the same demurrage rates to all South African ports. Maersk's published rate of ZAR 6,693/day applies to Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Cape Town.
Is Port Elizabeth significant for automotive imports?
Yes. Port Elizabeth is the primary gateway for automotive industry imports into the Eastern Cape. Automotive parts and accessories are regulated goods under PVoC and require CoCs before shipment.
How does the cost of compliance compare to demurrage at Port Elizabeth?
The CoC Vault minting fee is 2% of CIF value for shipments up to R1 million. For a R500,000 shipment, the minting fee is R10,000 — equivalent to less than two days of demurrage at Port Elizabeth.
When does PVoC enforcement become mandatory?
20 September 2026. From that date, SARS Customs will check for valid PVoC CoCs on all regulated goods at Port Elizabeth and all other ports.
Continue Learning
Port Elizabeth Demurrage Costs More Than PVoC Compliance
At ZAR 6,693+/day, a 10-day detention at Port Elizabeth costs more than the minting fee for most shipments. Obtain your PVoC CoC and create your CoC Vault record before 20 September 2026.
Sources: Government Gazette No. 54374 (20 March 2026); Standards Act 8 of 2008; Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. Last verified: 3 May 2026. certificatesofconformity.co.za is an independent reference publication operated by LinkDaddy LLC, a Florida-registered US entity. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the SABS, NRCS, SARS, or any agency of the Government of South Africa.