The European Commission has launched a targeted consultation on the documentary evidence that importers will be required to provide to demonstrate the country where steel was originally melted and poured under the new EU Steel Regulation.
The consultation, organised by the Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE), opened on 4 June 2026 and will remain open until 2 July 2026.
The initiative forms part of the implementation of the EU Steel Regulation, which will enter into force on 1 July 2026 and aims to address the negative trade-related effects of global steel overcapacity on the European market.
A key component of the new Regulation is the introduction of “melt and pour” traceability requirements. To operationalise these provisions, the Commission will adopt an Implementing Act specifying the type of documentary evidence that importers of steel products must submit in order to demonstrate where the steel was originally melted and poured.
The consultation is open to steel producers, steel users, manufacturers, importers, traders, industry associations, legal practitioners, public authorities and other interested stakeholders. Through this exercise, the Commission seeks to identify the most practical, reliable and effective forms of documentation that can be used to verify the country of melt and pour of steel imported into the European Union.
Following the consultation, the Commission will analyse stakeholder feedback as part of the preparation of the Implementing Act. The measure is expected to be adopted by 31 August 2026 and enter into force on 1 October 2026.
The EU Steel Regulation establishes a new framework designed to address the effects of global steel overcapacity and increasing trade diversion towards the European market. From 1 July 2026, it will introduce a system of duty-free import quotas totalling 18.3 million tonnes, while imports exceeding those quotas will be subject to a 50% duty. The Regulation also introduces mandatory melt and pour traceability requirements to improve transparency throughout steel supply chains.
The measure will apply to all origins except EEA countries. Nevertheless, steel products originating in EEA countries will remain subject to the melt and pour traceability requirements.
According to the European Commission, the Regulation is intended to provide effective protection for the European steel industry against the negative effects of global overcapacity while supporting its long-term competitiveness, sustainability and resilience.
EUROMETAL encourages all members and stakeholders involved in steel production, distribution, processing, importing and manufacturing to review the consultation carefully and contribute practical feedback based on their experience with steel traceability and international supply chains.
