European Steel Tariff Rate Quota Changes – 1 July 2026

A Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling is a formal determination, valid for 3 years, which specifies the correct tariff code for a specific product. The BTI reference number is entered on the import declaration and provides importers with complete clarity regarding: - The correct tariff code - The applicable duty rate - Information on available in-quota volumes It is strongly recommended that companies importing steel from third countries obtain BTIs when they:

• Rely on suppliers to provide the correct tariff code
• Cannot confidently verify the tariff code applied to imported goods
• Lack the technical expertise to independently and confidently assign tariff codes to steel products

Case Study: A company was importing a specific steel grade from a supplier in China. The company was benefiting from the existing quota regime, and the applicable import duty rate was 0%. During a post-clearance customs check, Irish customs determined that an incorrect tariff classification code had been used for these imports. When the correct tariff classification was applied, the quota allocation for that tariff code had been exhausted. Consequently, the importer was required to pay the 25% safeguarding duty on all affected goods imported during the preceding 12 months—resulting in significant financial impact. Had the importer obtained BTIs for their goods, this situation would have been avoided entirely.

In-quota TRQ volumes are significantly lower than current quota levels. Additionally, any volumes imported above the quota will attract a 50% duty, compared to the 25% currently applicable.

In the coming weeks, the European Commission will publish implementing regulations detailing country-specific volumes of steel that can be imported under the tariff rate quota regime. To prevent circumvention of this measure and to manage national allocations, importers will be required to provide proof of where the steel was manufactured (melted and poured). Imported steel may not qualify for quota treatment if there is insufficient documentation proving the location of melt and pour.

Steel quotas will be managed on a quarterly basis with no carryover between quarters. Given the reduction in quota volumes, we advise importing early in each quarter to maximize the likelihood of securing in-quota treatment before allocations are exhausted.

Steel sourced from within the EEA (EU + Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) will not be impacted by these measures.