Update on the New Safeguard Measures – METAL AND POUR

Tecnica Tre continues to closely monitor the evolution of European regulations affecting the steel industry.

On June 8, the European Council approved the new regulation, which had already been adopted in its first reading by the European Parliament on May 19. Publication in the Official Journal of the European Union is expected within the next few days, making the new provisions officially effective. Uncertainty remains regarding the allocation of country-specific tariff quotas, as no official document has yet been published, not even in draft form.

Among the most relevant aspects for importers, distributors, and steel product users is the confirmation that, at least until June 30, 2028, the country of production of the finished product will continue to be considered for tariff quota allocation purposes. Only after that date may the European Commission evaluate the possible adoption of the melt and pour country as the relevant criterion.

The latest version of the regulation also provides that, during the first year of application, any unused quotas will automatically be carried over to the following quarter. In subsequent years, the European Commission will decide on a case-by-case basis whether or not to allow the transfer of unused quota balances.

For the time being, safeguard measures will continue to apply to all non-EU countries, with the sole exception of products originating from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Although the regulation allows the European Commission to introduce additional exemptions in the future, no further exclusions are currently foreseen.

Starting from October 1, 2026, importers will be required to provide information regarding the origin of the raw material used in the production of imported steel products. At this stage, the collection of such data will be for statistical purposes only. Official guidelines defining the operational procedures and required documentation are expected to be issued by August 2026.

We look forward to the prompt publication of the country-specific quotas in order to gain greater certainty regarding operational planning and to provide clear and timely information to all our stakeholders.