European Union implements new steel import traceability rules

The European Commission has adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1963 to clarify documentation requirements for steel imports. Starting October 1, 2026, importers must declare the country where steel was “melted and poured” to improve traceability and monitor global steel overcapacity. The Mill Test Certificate (MTC) will serve as the primary document, provided it includes the country of origin and the heat number. During a one-year transition period ending September 30, 2027, alternative documents such as invoices, delivery notes, or customs documents may be used as standalone evidence if an MTC is unavailable.

Separately, the industry association EUROMETAL has warned of a regulatory gap that threatens the competitiveness of European steel-intensive manufacturing. The association argues that while raw steel imports are subject to quotas and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) costs, finished goods manufactured outside the EU often enter the bloc without equivalent trade or carbon-related obligations. EUROMETAL claims this imbalance places European manufacturers at a disadvantage and may lead to production relocation, plant closures, and a loss of strategic industrial capabilities in sectors like defense and infrastructure.