New steel quotas – entrepreneurs should prepare their supply chain now
For importers, distributors and companies using steel in their operations, this means the need to more closely monitor the origin of products and map the entire supply chain.
New steel quotas
New steel import quotas from July 1, 2026
The current safeguard measures on steel imports into the EU expire on 30 June 2026. They will be replaced by a new regulation aimed at counteracting the negative effects of global steel overproduction and the phenomenon of redirecting surplus production to the EU market.
The new regulations will come into effect on 1 July 2026 and will introduce a modified tariff rate quota (TRQ) system.
Compared to the current safeguard regime, the new regulations reduce the total volume of steel import quotas by approximately 47%, to 18.3 million tons per year. At the same time, imports outside the allocated quotas will be subject to an increased tariff of 50%.
This solution aims to reduce the pressure resulting from global overcapacity while ensuring predictable and controlled access to the EU market for traditional steel exporters.
The agreement stipulates that, in the first year of the new regulations, unused import quotas will be transferable between quarters for all steel product categories. This is intended to increase flexibility for businesses and reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions.
The text of the regulation and annexes containing the list of goods subject to quotas can be found here: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on countering the trade-related negative effects of global overcapacity in the EU steel market and annexes
New steel quotas
"Melt and pour" - a new requirement for identifying the origin of steel
One of the most important elements of the new regulations is the introduction of the requirement to indicate the "melt and pour" country - the place where the steel was originally melted and poured. This mechanism is intended to increase transparency in the steel trade and enable more effective tracking of the true origin of steel products entering the EU market.
On June 4, 2026, the European Commission launched a consultation on the type of documents that will constitute proof of where steel was melted and poured. The consultation will run until July 2, 2026, and aims to help determine the most practical and reliable ways to document the origin of steel.
As announced by the Commission:
- the implementing act specifying the required documents is to be adopted by August 31, 2026,
- the new documentation requirements are scheduled to enter into force on October 1, 2026.
New steel quotas
Supply chain mapping becomes crucial
While detailed documentation requirements are still being consulted, it is already clear that businesses importing or using steel should begin analysing their supply chains
The new regulations will require suppliers to obtain information that clearly identifies the original location of steel melting and pouring. In practice, this means obtaining data from subsequent participants in the supply chain, including producers, steel mills, intermediaries, and component suppliers.
For many companies, this will be another challenge related to identifying the origin of raw materials and semi-finished products. It is worth noting that similar requirements regarding transparency and obtaining data from suppliers also appear under the CBAM mechanism, which requires importers to closely cooperate with supply chain participants.
New steel quotas
What should entrepreneurs do now?
Due to the upcoming changes, it is recommended to:
Early preparation will help reduce the risk of supply disruptions, documentation problems and additional costs associated with importing steel products into the European Union.
New steel quotas
CBAM and the origin of steel – it is worth taking a broader look
Businesses operating in sectors that import steel products should analyse the new steel regulations in parallel with their obligations under the CBAM mechanism. Both systems rely on increased supply chain transparency and the acquisition of data from non-EU suppliers.
Similar preparatory activities are recommended for entrepreneurs covered by CBAM regulations
New steel quotas
FAQ – frequently asked questions
The new regulations will apply to steel products covered by the tariff-rate quota system. Businesses importing steel or steel products should verify whether the products they import fall within the scope of the new regulations.
The new system is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, replacing the current safeguard measures, which expire on June 30, 2026.
"Melt and pour" refers to the country where the steel was originally melted and poured. This information is intended to confirm the true origin of steel imported into the European Union.
According to the European Commission's plans, the new documentation requirements are to enter into force on October 1, 2026, following the adoption of the relevant implementing act.
New regulations may require obtaining information about steel origin from multiple supply chain participants. Early identification of data sources and responsible entities can facilitate compliance with the new requirements and reduce the risk of import issues.
Although these are separate regulations, both systems are based on a similar premise: increasing supply chain transparency and obtaining detailed data from non-EU suppliers. Therefore, businesses preparing for CBAM requirements can leverage some of the processes already developed for the new steel regulations.
