New EU Steel Import Evidence Requirements From October 2026
Businesses importing certain steel products into the European Union will face new documentation requirements from 1 October 2026.
Importers of affected steel products will need to hold evidence confirming both the country where the steel was melted and poured. They will also need to hold the heat number associated with the imported steel.
For businesses moving steel into the EU, checking these details with suppliers before shipment will be important. This will help avoid customs delays.
What information is required for EU steel imports?
From 1 October 2026, importers will need documentation that confirms:
- The country of melt and pour for the steel
- The heat number of the imported steel
The main document used to provide this information will be the Mill Test Certificate (MTC).
Importers should contact their steel suppliers and check that the MTC supplied with each shipment contains the required information.
What is a Mill Test Certificate?
A Mill Test Certificate, often referred to as an MTC, is a document issued by a steel manufacturer or mill. It provides information about the material supplied.
Depending on the product and certificate, this can include details such as the material grade and chemical composition. It can also include mechanical properties and traceability information.
For affected EU steel imports, the MTC will be particularly important. This is because it can provide evidence of the steel’s melt and pour country and heat number.
Where the MTC does not contain all the required information, other supporting documentation may be accepted.
A transition period will apply
A transition period will run until 30 September 2027 where an MTC is unavailable.
While this provides additional time for businesses to adapt, importers should still review their supplier documentation as early as possible.
Waiting until a shipment is ready for customs clearance could create unnecessary delays. This may happen if the required evidence cannot be obtained quickly.
Do the requirements apply when using a tariff quota?
Yes. The new evidence requirements apply to affected steel imports generally, regardless of whether a tariff quota is being claimed.
However, where an importer is using a tariff quota, there may be additional quota requirements. These requirements may also need to be met.
Importers should therefore consider both the evidence requirements and any applicable tariff quota conditions when preparing future EU steel shipments.
What should steel importers do now?
With the new requirements coming into effect on 1 October 2026, businesses importing affected steel products should start reviewing their upcoming shipments.
We recommend checking:
- Which steel products you import into the EU and whether they are affected by the new requirements.
- Your supplier documentation to confirm that the required melt and pour country information is available.
- Mill Test Certificates to make sure the heat number is clearly recorded.
- Supporting documentation where the MTC does not contain all the required information.
- Tariff quota requirements, where a quota is being claimed.
- Upcoming shipments to make sure the necessary evidence can be obtained before the goods are presented to EU customs.
Taking these steps before shipment can help reduce the risk of documentation issues when the goods arrive.
How Future Forwarding can help with EU steel imports
Changes to customs and import requirements can make international shipments more complex. This is particularly true when additional documentation is required from overseas suppliers.
At Future Forwarding, we help businesses manage their international freight and customs requirements. This includes shipments involving the movement of goods into the EU.
If you’re importing steel into the EU and have questions about the new evidence requirements, our team can help you review your upcoming shipments. We can also help you identify the documentation you may need.
Planning an EU steel shipment after 1 October 2026? Contact Future Forwarding before your goods ship to discuss your requirements.