STEEL NEWS

EU launches consultation on steel traceability rules

The European Commission has initiated a targeted four-week consultation to gather stakeholder feedback on the accurate documentary evidence needed to confirm the location of the original melting and pouring of imported steel under the “melted and poured” principle.

These consultations, which will take place from June 4 to July 2, 2026, will engage steel producers, traders, importers and industry associations to develop practical and reliable verification methods. The resulting rules will be incorporated into the Implementing Act, which is scheduled to be adopted by August 31, 2026, and will enter into force on October 1, 2026.

The EU Steel Regulation, designed to protect domestic industry from trade reorientation caused by global overcapacity, will enter into force on July 1, 2026. This regulation sets a duty-free import limit of 18.3 million tonnes, with any quantities in excess of quotas subject to a 50% duty.

These comprehensive transparency and quota measures apply to all countries in the world, although the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) remain exempt from tariffs, but must comply with melt and spill rules.