ommission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/846 of 9 April 2026 has introduced amendments to the safeguard measures in force under Regulation (EU) 2019/159.
The regulation includes changes to product classifications under the tariff rate quota (TRQ) system applied to imports of certain steel products into the European Union. Under the current regime covering 26 product categories, a 25% additional customs duty is imposed once the tariff quotas are exceeded.
The safeguard 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 showed a significant deviation from traditional trade flows, increasing by approximately 250% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
The Commission noted that some producers slightly modified the chemical composition of products, shifting classification from heading 7214 to heading 7228, thereby enabling imports under categories with higher quota allocations. This practice was found to undermine the effectiveness of the safeguard measures.
It was also stated that imports under CN code 7228 30 69 accounted for approximately 35% of the annual quota allocated for the reinforcing steel category in 2025.
In response, the Commission created new TARIC codes to ensure correct product classification. Accordingly, codes 7228 30 69 11 (ribbed or deformed reinforcing steel) and 7228 30 69 99 (other) have been established.
The amendments do not expand the scope of the existing safeguard measures and do not change the quota volumes applicable to the relevant product categories.