Businesses importing certain steel products into the EU will need to provide new evidence from 1 October 2026. The documentation must identify the country where the steel was melted and poured, along with its heat number.
Importers should check that this information is available from their suppliers before the goods arrive. If customs authorities need to verify missing or alternative evidence, clearance may be delayed.
What evidence is required?
The main form of evidence is a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) showing both the country of melt and pour and the steel’s heat number.
The requirement applies to product categories listed in the EU Steel Regulation. Importers should check the classification of their goods to establish whether they are affected.
If an MTC is available but one of the required details is missing, customs authorities may consider complementary documents containing that information. The regulation lists examples including invoices, delivery notes, quality certificates, supplier declarations and production records. Any supporting document should be clearly linked to the steel being imported.
What happens if there is no Mill Test Certificate?
A transition period runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027. During this period, if an MTC cannot be provided, customs authorities may consider the alternative documents listed in the regulation as standalone evidence, provided they establish both the melt and pour country and the heat number.
Acceptance is subject to customs authorities’ assessment. Importers should therefore work with their suppliers to obtain complete MTCs for future shipments rather than assuming alternative paperwork will be accepted.
What should importers do now?
For upcoming EU-bound shipments, check whether the steel products fall within the affected categories. Ask suppliers for an MTC and confirm that it contains both required details.
If information is missing, establish what other evidence is available and whether it can be linked to the goods. Resolving documentation gaps before shipment could help avoid customs checks and delays when the steel arrives in the EU.
If you are moving steel into the EU and are unsure whether these requirements apply, contact Beckchoice to discuss your upcoming shipment.
Please note: This update is general information. The documentation required for a shipment depends on the product classification and the evidence available.