On 9 April 2026, Implementing Regulation 2026/846 introduced updates to the safeguard measures in force under Regulation 2019/159. The regulation includes changes to product classifications within the tariff rate quota (TRQ) system applied to certain steel imports into the European Union.
Under the current framework, safeguard measures covering 26 product categories apply an additional 25% duty once the tariff quotas are exceeded. These measures are scheduled to expire on 30 June 2026.
Investigations found that reinforcing steel products classified under CN codes 7214 20 00 and 7214 99 10 have also been imported in significant volumes under CN code 7228 30 69 since 2025. In particular, imports under code 7228 30 69 were found to have deviated significantly from traditional trade flows, increasing by approximately 250% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
The Commission determined that some producers had made limited adjustments to the chemical composition of the products, shifting their classification from heading 7214 to 7228, thereby allowing imports under categories with higher quota availability. This practice was considered to weaken the effectiveness of the safeguard measures.
It was noted that imports under CN code 7228 30 69 accounted for approximately 35% of the total annual quota allocated for reinforcing steel in 2025.
In response, the Commission created new TARIC codes to ensure proper product classification. Accordingly, codes 7228 30 69 11 (ribbed, deformed, or similarly processed reinforcing steel) and 7228 30 69 99 (other) were introduced.
The Commission stated that these changes do not expand the scope of the existing safeguard measures and do not alter the duty-free quota volumes for the relevant product categories.
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