On July 18, 2018, the European Commission issued a press release announcing new safeguard measures on steel imports, in response to recently instated tariffs by the U.S.

According to the release, “The provisional measures concern 23 steel product categories and will take the form of a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ). For each of the 23 categories, tariffs of 25% will only be imposed once imports exceed the average of imports over the last three years.”

The quota is not specific to exporting countries, and will be treated on a first come first serve basis. It includes all countries with the exception of Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, as well as certain developing countries.

Affected headings include 7208, 7209, 7210, 7211, 7212, 7213, 7214, 7215, 7216, 7217, 7219, 7220, 7221, 7222, 7225, 7226 and 7227, 7301, 7304, 7305 and 7306. Not all subheading are subject to the additional duties.

The measure will become effective on July 19, 2018, and can remain active for a maximum of 200 days.

For any questions or concerns, please contact your local Expeditors office. The press release may be accessed here, and a list of all affected tariffs can be viewed here.