Importing steel into the EU: Key points of the new proposal for a regulation to protect the european steel industry

The EU steel imports are safeguarded. On 7 October 2025, the European Union presented a new Regulation proposal with the aim of curbing the effects of global steel overcapacity. Undoubtedly, it is a problem that has been putting pressure on prices for years and hindering the competitiveness of the European industry.

If you import steel into the EU, this initiative is going to mark a turning point: it introduces deep changes in access to the European market, in the volumes allowed, and in the costs applicable once quotas are exhausted. It also strengthens traceability and transparency, increasingly critical elements in the international trade of steel products.

Below, know the key points about this proposal to protect the steel industry.

Why does this proposal affect those importing steel into the EU?

One of the most strategic sectors in the European Union is the steel industry for two reasons:

– Because of its economic weight.

– And for the role it plays in the ecological transition and industrial autonomy.

Therefore, and given that the current safeguard measures expire on June 30, 2026, the Commission has proposed a new framework that substantially changes the conditions for importing steel into the EU.

Key changes for importing steel into the EU

The Regulation proposal published in October 2025 introduces several elements that will have a direct impact on import operations.

Annual tariff-free quotas, managed quarterly

Steel imports will be subject to annual quotas, distributed quarterly. Once the corresponding quota is exhausted, the importer will have to bear a significant additional cost.

This aims to prevent import spikes and improve market planning.

Reduction of the tariff-free volume

The quota available to import steel duty-free will be limited to 18.3 million tonnes per year. This represents roughly a 47% reduction compared to the 2024 quotas.

With less volume available, competition to meet annual needs will be greater, and it is likely that companies will have to rethink purchases or logistics calendars.

50% tariff when exceeding the quota

Once the quotas are exhausted, imports will be subject to a 50% tariff on the customs value, double the current rate.

This point is crucial for those importing steel into the EU: exceeding the quota can double the cost of bringing the goods into the EU.

Strengthened traceability: certification of the country of fusion and casting

The proposal includes an obligation to certify the country of fusion and casting of the steel, reinforcing the traceability of the production process.

This aligns with current regulatory trends (such as controls on inputs of Russian origin) and obliges importers to require more detailed documentation from their suppliers.

Which countries will be excluded from this new Regulation proposal?

Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are outside these measures as part of the European Economic Area, maintaining their more flexible access to the single market.

Will there be periodic reviews of the measures proposed?

Yes, the European Commission will perform:

● Reviews every two years.

● A global assessment before 2031.

This means the regulatory framework can be adjusted based on the evolution of the global market or the European industrial situation.

How will this proposal impact the companies that import steel into the EU?

Cost adjustments

The 50% tariff after exhausting the quotas can completely alter the economic structure of many operations.

Purchasing planning

The quarterly contingents will require more precise import planning.

Greater documentary control

The certification of the country of fusion and casting requires a more transparent and auditable supply chain.

Supplier review

It will be key to work with manufacturers able to issue reliable documentation, anticipating possible customs checks.

In summary: importing steel into the EU will be more complex and will require a stronger strategy for traceability, forecasting, and cost control.

Are you importing steel into the EU and want to know how this measure will affect you?

Importing steel into the EU will be more complex and will require a solid strategy for traceability, forecasting, and cost control.