The European Commission has specified which documents importers must provide to verify steel origin under new EU traceability requirements. Beginning 1 October 2026, Mill Test Certificates become the standard evidence, with alternative documentation accepted until the deadline shifts in autumn 2027.
The European Commission announced that it adopted implementing regulations specifying the evidence importers must submit to verify the country where steel was melted and poured on 31 August 2026. The directive addresses requirements established under the EU Steel Regulation and received unanimous support from Member States on 19 August 2026.
Rationale and stakeholder input
The Steel Regulation took effect on 1 July 2026 to combat global steel overcapacity and protect the EU market from trade diversion. The new traceability mandate requires importers to disclose where steel originates in the production process, strengthening enforcement of the regulation.
Between 2 June and 4 July 2026, the Commission consulted approximately 170 stakeholders, including producers, traders, users, and industry associations. The feedback informed the Commission on which documentation types are both practical and reliable for daily business operations without creating excessive compliance costs.
Implementation timeline and requirements
Starting 1 October 2026, importers must declare the country of melt and pour on their customs documentation to access the EU market. The Mill Test Certificate, which includes the country of origin and heat number, serves as the primary supporting document.
When a Mill Test Certificate is unavailable or lacks necessary information, customs authorities may accept supplementary documentation: invoices, delivery notes, quality certificates, purchase order clauses, supplier declarations, production records, export country customs documents, commercial correspondence, or production descriptions.
From 1 October 2027 onwards, these alternative documents will only be accepted alongside a Mill Test Certificate, not as standalone evidence.
Steel Regulation context
Under the regulation, imports receive duty-free treatment up to 18.3 million tonnes annually. Shipments exceeding this quota face a 50% tariff. EEA countries remain exempt from duties but must still meet melt-and-pour traceability standards.
The Commission will coordinate with Member States and industry participants throughout implementation.
