The Italian Association for Metal, Scrap and Steel Trade and Recycling, ASSOFERMET–Confcommercio Imprese per l'Italia, stated that the European Commission's delay in issuing the necessary implementing rules has created significant uncertainty in the market, urging the Commission to urgently publish country-specific quota allocations and implementation rules.
ASSOFERMET: Companies are planning operations without knowing the rules
In its statement, ASSOFERMET said that EU companies importing steel from non-EU countries and operating throughout the European steel supply chain are once again suffering from the consequences of the European Commission's inadequate and seriously delayed administration.
The association recalled that, only days before the new tariff-rate quota (TRQ) system is due to take effect on July 1, 2026, the Commission published the main regulation extending and strengthening steel safeguard measures aimed at protecting EU steel production. However, it stressed that the Implementing Regulation, required under Article 5(1) of the main regulation to determine how quotas will be allocated by country of origin, has not been adopted.
ASSOFERMET described this as a serious oversight, saying it has created complete uncertainty for the economic operators directly affected. The association warned that the lack of clarity would create additional complications for the management and execution of international contracts, as well as for customs procedures.
It also noted that negotiations on the European Union's free trade agreements with partner countries continue to face unjustified delays. As a result, importers, distributors, end users, and other businesses are being forced to plan operations, sign contracts, and organize supply chains without knowing the rules that will apply from July 1.
"Incompatible with the principles of legal certainty and administrative transparency"
ASSOFERMET stated that, with less than a week remaining before the new regime enters into force, it is still unclear how the quota system will operate from day one.
According to the statement, key questions regarding national quota allocations, operational procedures, and their impact on customs practices across the European Union remain unanswered.
The association argued that it is neither reasonable nor acceptable for the European Commission to introduce new market restrictions without simultaneously providing all the regulatory instruments required for their implementation. It added that such an approach is incompatible with the principles of legal certainty, administrative transparency, and the protection of businesses' legitimate expectations toward public institutions.
ASSOFERMET stressed that the Implementing Regulation should have been adopted simultaneously with the main regulation and made available to businesses as soon as possible to establish a clear and predictable regulatory framework, allowing companies to adapt quickly to the new rules.
The statement concluded that European companies are once again being forced to operate under uncertainty due to delays beyond their control, exposing them to additional costs, risks, and obligations.
On behalf of companies across the sector, ASSOFERMET called on the European Commission to urgently adopt country-specific quotas, publish the necessary operational guidance for implementation, and put an immediate end to the uncertainty that threatens the smooth functioning of European supply chains and the competitiveness of European industry.
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