BIR Urges Input on New EU Steel Rules

Metal Recycling News  |  2026-06-15 09:32:27   |   By

Also, the new regulation introduces a “melt and pour” origin requirement, aimed at improving transparency by identifying the country where steel was originally produced.

Summary
  • EU Steel Regulation Takes Effect July 2026 - The European Union’s new steel market regulation will come into force on July 1, 2026, replacing existing safeguard measures.
  • Tighter Import Controls Introduced - The regulation reduces duty-free steel import quotas by 47% to 18.3 million tonnes and increases out-of-quota tariffs to 50%.
  • BIR Calls for Industry Participation - BIR is encouraging recycling and steel industry stakeholders to contribute to the EU consultation on the new “melt and pour” origin verification requirements.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has stated the formal adoption of the European Union’s new steel market regulation, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2026

BIR highlighted that changes in steel trade policies can significantly impact secondary raw materials markets, particularly recycled steel, which plays a critical role in circular steel production and electric arc furnace (EAF)-based manufacturing.

The new regulation introduces a revised tariff-rate quota (TRQ) system, reducing annual duty-free import quotas to 18.3 million tonnes. This is approximately 47% lower than the quota levels available under the 2024 safeguard regime. Imports exceeding these quotas will face a 50% tariff, which is double the duty imposed under the previous framework.

Also, the new regulation introduces a “melt and pour” origin requirement, aimed at improving transparency by identifying the country where steel was originally produced.

BIR welcomed the Commission’s ongoing consultation process, open until July 2, 2026, and encouraged stakeholders across the recycling and steel sectors to submit their inputs.

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with EU authorities on policies affecting the global recycling industry.

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