The “melt and pour” requirement the regulation introduces will apply from October 1, 2026. The European Commission is required to adopt detailed implementing rules specifying the evidence required by August 31, 2026. By June 30, 2028, the Commission shall, based on the information collected pursuant to “melt and pour” requirement, assess whether it is necessary to designate the country of “melt and pour” as the basis for benefiting from the tariff quotas provided for in this regulation. Based on that assessment, the Commission may submit a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council.

By 30 June 2027, the Commission shall assess the necessity of amending the product scope, taking into account in particular whether it should cover additional products that are made of, or contain, a significant amount of steel, including as a matter of priority downstream iron and steel products not covered by the regulation. Where sufficient evidence is gathered in its assessment demonstrating that necessity, the Commission may without undue delay submit a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council.

By June 30, 2029 and every three years thereafter the implementation of the regulation, the Commission shall evaluate the effectiveness of this regulation, after having carried out broad consultations with stakeholders throughout the steel value chain.

The regulation sets the total annual tariff-rate quota at 18,345,922 mt, while imports within the quota will remain duty-free, while volumes exceeding the quota will be subject to a 50 percent tariff, a sharp increase compared to the previous 25 percent safeguard duty. Depending on the product category, quota volume reductions of up to 90 percent will be implemented. However, details regarding the country-specific quota allocations have not yet been announced.