The EC has launched consultations regarding the implementation of the «smelting and casting» requirement for steel

The European Commission (EC) has launched consultations on the documents required to ensure traceability as part of the implementation of the “smelting and casting” requirement under the EU Steel Regulation. This is stated in a press release from the institution.

As noted, the EU Steel Regulation aims to address the negative consequences of global overcapacity. Once it enters into force, it will be supplemented by several implementing acts.

The implementing act on “smelting and casting” traceability requirements will specify the type of documentary evidence that importers of steel products into the EU must provide to demonstrate the origin of the steel. This requirement is a key element of the new EU Steel Regulation, designed to ensure supply chain transparency.

The consultation will last four weeks (from June 4 to July 2, 2026). It is planned to gather information from producers, consumers, traders, importers, industry associations, and other stakeholders. The goal is to determine the most practical and reliable documentation that will allow for effective verification of the country of smelting and casting of imported steel.

Following the consultations, the EC will analyze the responses as part of the preparation of the relevant implementing act. It is expected to be adopted by August 31, 2026, and the document will enter into force on October 1 of this year.

The EU Steel Regulation, which will take effect on July 1, 2026, will set duty-free quotas for imports of steel products at 18.3 million tons, with a 50% duty on shipments exceeding the quota and on “smelting and casting” arrangements. The measure will apply to all countries of origin except EEA countries, which will, however, still be subject to steel origin requirements.

“This measure was necessary given the persistent level of global excess capacity and the growing number of trade restrictive measures in third countries, which is leading to a redirection of trade toward the EU market,” the EC said in a statement.

As reported by GMK Center, the EU Council, in its position on new safeguard measures regarding steel imports, retained the “smelting and casting” requirement. Importers must provide verified evidence, such as a mill test certificate.