[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] EU Introduces Melt and Pour Policy with One-Year Transition Period for Steel Imports
The European Commission published melt-and-pour origin certification rules for steel (including stainless steel) imports in the Official Journal on August 31, with a one-year transition period. From October 1, 2027, importers must provide a mill test certificate (MTC) specifying the melt-and-pour country and heat number. During the transition period from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027, standalone documents containing both the melt-and-pour country and heat number may serve as valid proof where MTCs are unavailable. Supplementary evidence — including invoices, delivery notes, quality certificates, purchase contract clauses, long-term supplier declarations, cost accounting documents, exporting country customs documents, commercial correspondence, or production descriptions — may be accepted, subject to verification by competent customs authorities. Importers must declare the melt-and-pour country via TARIC commodity codes, and shipments lacking proper verifiable documentation face customs rejection.