Tag: Rules of Origin

EUROMETAL, together with major European steel producers and industry associations, participated in the European Commission’s Implementation Dialogue on EU Rules of Origin: A Business Perspective, hosted by DG TAXUD and chaired by Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, responsible for Trade and Economic Security.

The dialogue brought together policymakers and industry stakeholders for a constructive exchange on how to modernise and simplify the EU’s rules of origin (RoO) — a key component of customs law that increasingly impacts trade defence, sustainability policies, and access to global markets.

A strong steel industry presence

EUROMETAL President, Alexander Julius, joined a broad coalition of stakeholders from across the steel value chain — including major producers, processors, and trade associations — to deliver a unified message: rules of origin must become more practical, consistent, and fit for purpose in a changing global trade environment.

The discussion focused on aligning RoO with business realities, eliminating national inconsistencies, and ensuring rules support the EU’s climate and industrial policy goals.

Key Messages from Commissioner Šefčovič

Commissioner Šefčovič acknowledged the critical role of rules of origin and committed to a comprehensive reform process.

His main takeaways included:

• Simplification and sector-specificity: RoO should be easier to apply and adapted to the specific characteristics of each sector. A sector-by-sector approach was welcomed by all participants.
• Harmonisation across the EU: Inconsistent implementation by Member States creates major challenges. Harmonising RoO application is essential to restoring fairness and reducing internal market barriers.
• Digitalisation as a cornerstone: The upcoming Customs Reform will introduce a European Data Hub, digital product passports, and AI-driven compliance tools — with particular attention to SME accessibility.
• Strategic role of RoO in trade defence: Šefčovič confirmed that rules of origin are increasingly linked to CBAM, safeguard measures, and anti-circumvention efforts — especially in critical sectors like steel and aluminium.
• Post-2026 steel strategy: A new framework for EU steel safeguard measures is under development, with updates expected in late summer 2025. The EU will also seek closer coordination with the US on tackling global overcapacities.

EUROMETAL’s contributions

During the dialogue, EUROMETAL highlighted the complexity faced by steel distributors and service centers in complying with origin requirements, particularly when products are transformed or sourced across multiple jurisdictions.

Key recommendations included:

• Align RoO with new climate and circular economy goals, including CBAM and the definition of “green” steel.
• Develop practical rules for recycled content, “melted and poured” criteria, and value-added processing.
• Ensure digitisation efforts are interoperable and accessible to SMEs, which represent the backbone of the steel distribution sector.
• Introduce specific origin-based restrictions on steel derivatives, to prevent circumvention of EU safeguard and trade defence measures. EUROMETAL stressed that derivatives must not become a loophole undermining the effectiveness of existing protections.

EUROMETAL also stressed the need for predictable, harmonised rules that can be easily implemented across all 27 Member States — avoiding costly delays and inconsistent customs decisions.

Next steps and continued engagement

The European Commission called on all participants to submit written, sector-specific input. Feedback will inform the design of future RoO reforms and help guide customs digitalisation and trade negotiations.
Šefčovič closed the session by reaffirming the Commission’s openness to continued dialogue: “We want to get this right — and that means listening to you. Give us practical, detailed input so we can build solutions that work on the ground.”

EUROMETAL will continue to coordinate closely with its members and the broader steel community to ensure that the voice of the distribution and service sector — including concerns on steel derivatives — is fully reflected in the EU’s evolving trade and customs framework.