Italian metals association Assofermet has called on the European Commission to urgently publish the implementing rules for the EU's revised steel safeguard system, warning that the current lack of clarity is creating significant uncertainty for importers and downstream industries.
In a statement, the association criticized the Commission for adopting the regulation extending and strengthening the EU's steel safeguard measures while failing to simultaneously publish the implementing regulation needed to allocate country-specific tariff-rate quotas before the new regime takes effect on July 1.
Lack of clarity for importers
According to Assofermet, companies across the steel supply chain are being forced to negotiate contracts and organize procurement without knowing how the new quota system will operate.
The association argued that the delay creates uncertainty over country allocations, customs procedures and operational rules. "Less than a week before the start of the new regime, no one is able to know with certainty how the quota system will function from the first day of application," Assofermet said.
It added that negotiations with countries covered by EU free trade agreements are still ongoing, despite the approaching implementation date.
Call for immediate publication
Assofermet said the implementing regulation should have been adopted together with the basic regulation to provide companies with sufficient time to prepare for the new rules. Instead, businesses are once again being forced to operate under uncertain conditions while bearing the costs and risks associated with regulatory delays.
The association also warned that the situation could complicate customs procedures across the European Union and disrupt international supply chains.
Representing around 450 companies active in steel, metals, scrap and hardware trading and processing, Assofermet called on the European Commission to urgently publish the country-specific quota allocations and provide the necessary operational guidance to ensure the smooth functioning of the new safeguard regime and maintain the competitiveness of European industry.
