New Implementing Regulation clarifies evidence for the country of “melt and pour” under the Steel Regulation

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1963 of 28 August 2026 has been published, concerning the determination of the type of evidence to be submitted by importers to prove the country of “melt and pour”.

As is well known, Regulation (EU) 2026/1384 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2026 (commonly referred to as the “Steel Regulation”) introduced a transparency requirement regarding the country of “melt and pour” in order to improve the traceability of steel products imported into the Union. Being so, at the moment of import into the Union, importers of products falling under categories listed in Annex I to that Regulation shall provide a Mill Test Certificate that includes the country of ‘melt and pour’ and the heat number of the imported steel.

However, if the Mill Test Certificate provided does not entail information either on the country of “melt and pour” or the heat number, the following evidence may be considered by customs authorities as complementary to the Mill Test Certificate provided that it entails the missing information either on the country of ‘melt and pour’ or the heat number and corresponds to any of the documents listed in points (a) to (h) of Article 1 (2) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1963 of 28 August 2026.

If no Mill Test Certificate can be provided, customs authorities may accept those same documents as standalone evidence, provided that they include information on both the country of “melt and pour” and the heat number. However, this alternative means of proof, which waives the requirement to submit a manufacturer’s certificate of conformity, will apply only during the period from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027.

Customs authorities must carry out documentary checks on the information and evidence submitted. Failure to declare the country of “melt and pour” supported by adequate and verifiable evidence will result in the rejection of the imports. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1963 of 28 August 2026 shall apply from 1 October 2026.

Abreu Advogados has a dedicated Customs and International Trade team, available for any clarification or further questions.