As of 1 October 2026, new European proof requirements apply to the import of certain iron and steel products. Importers must be able to demonstrate where the steel was melted and poured and which heat number applies to it.
With these new requirements, the European Union is further tightening controls on steel imports. The new obligations form part of European measures addressing the impact of global overcapacity in the steel market. The aim is to improve the traceability of steel and prevent the circumvention of trade measures.
What is changing?
For certain steel products covered by the European steel measures, information must be available upon import regarding:
- The country of melting and pouring, also known as the melt and pour country.
- The heat number, the batch number that allows the steel to be traced back through the production process.
This information must be verifiable and supported by the appropriate documentation.
Mill Test Certificate as the main form of evidence
The starting point is the Mill Test Certificate (MTC), also known as a mill certificate. It must state the melt and pour country and the corresponding heat number.
If an MTC is unavailable or does not contain all the required information, other documents may also be used to substantiate the information. These may include:
- invoices;
- delivery notes;
- quality certificates;
- purchase orders or contracts;
- supplier declarations;
- production and cost documentation;
- customs documents from the country of export;
- commercial correspondence;
- production descriptions.
The European Commission has specified these forms of evidence in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1963 of 28 August 2026.
Transitional period until 30 September 2027
An important transitional arrangement applies. Until and including 30 September 2027, certain documents may also be used independently as evidence, provided that they contain both the country of melting and pouring and the heat number. Customs authorities may verify the information provided and the underlying supporting documents.
What does this mean for you as an importer?
It is becoming increasingly important to request the correct information from your supplier before shipment. If the required information is missing, this may lead to delays at customs and, in certain cases, even rejection of the import.
Therefore, make sure your supplier can provide the following information in good time:
- Where the steel was melted and poured.
- The corresponding heat number.
- Which documents can be used to substantiate this information.
The melt and pour information must be declared upon import using the relevant TARIC document codes. If the required information cannot be demonstrated with sufficient verifiable evidence, the import may be refused.
Do you have questions about the new steel measures or would you like to know what they mean for your import shipment? Please contact us. We will be happy to help you identify the required customs documentation in advance.
