The EU Steel Regulation addressing negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity on the EU steel market will enter into force 1 July 2026. The Regulation will set free-of-duty quotas to 18.3 million tons, with a 50% duty for out-of-quota imports, and a melt and pour traceability regime. The measure will apply to all origins except for EEA countries, which will nevertheless still be subject to melt and pour requirements.
The Regulation will be supplemented by an Implementing Act on ‘melt and pour’ traceability requirements and will enter into force on 1 October 2026. This Melt and Pour Implementing Act will determine the type of documentary evidence that importers of steel products into the EU will need to provide to demonstrate where the steel was originally melted and poured.
As part of this, on 4 June, the European Commission launched a targeted consultation seeking stakeholders’ feedback on the appropriate documentation for implementing the country ‘melt and pour’ traceability requirements.
The link to the targeted consultation can be found here: Targeted consultation on the type of evidence to be provided on country of 'melt and pour' under EU Steel Regulation - Trade and Economic Security
The consultation will run for four weeks, from 4 June to 2 July 2026. It will seek input from steel producers, steel users, traders, importers, industry associations, member state governments, customs authorities and other stakeholders to identify the most practical and reliable documentation allowing to effectively verify the country of melt and pour of steel imported into the EU.
Trade Policy Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade would encourage relevant Irish stakeholders to engage with this consultation.