EU Steel regulation published
The European Union published a major new steel safeguard and overcapacity regulation. Designed to protect the struggling domestic steel sector from global overcapacity, it sets annual tariff-rate quotas at 18.3 million metric tons and doubles out-of-quota duties to 50%. The legislation, which updates the previous measures, introduces several key changes taking effect later in 2026:
- Entry into Force: The updated tariff and quota rules apply starting July 1, 2026
- "Melt and Pour" Traceability: Beginning October 1, 2026, importers will be required to provide documentary proof of the country where the steel was originally melted and poured to prevent circumvention. The European Commission is currently holding industry consultations to finalize the exact documentation requirements
- Quota Management: While overall quotas are heavily restricted, the regulation allows for a quarterly carry-over of unused quotas during the first year of implementation
- Phase-out of Russian Steel: In a joint declaration, the Council and the Commission committed to the gradual phase-out of all Russian-origin steel products to further reduce economic dependencies. Source
Canada - Customs Notice 26-15: Amendments to the General Import Permit No. 83 — Aluminum products
The notice updates Canada's aluminum import monitoring program under General Import Permit No. 83 (GIP 83). The changes are intended to improve traceability of aluminum supply chains and collect more detailed information about where aluminum was produced and processed. The amendments are scheduled to take effect October 1, 2026.
Impact of Customs Notice 26-15
For imports under tariff codes, starting October 1, 2026, importers will generally need to report:
- Country of Most Recent Cast (CRC) for all covered aluminum products.
- Country of Largest Smelt (CLS) and Country of Second Largest Smelt (C2S) if the product contains primary aluminum. (For recycled/secondary aluminum, requirements may differ depending on the composition and reporting guidance.)
- 7607.11.00.30 and 7607.20.00.90 are covered by GIP 83 and therefore fall within the scope of the new aluminum reporting requirements described in Customs Notice 26-15. Source
Digitalisation of proofs of origin: Changes to the EU's REX system are coming
The European Commission has published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1183, which introduces significant changes to the procedures for preferential origin of goods. The main objective of the amendment is to adapt the regulations to the full implementation of the system of registered exporters (REX system) and to improve the exchange of customs information. Key changes: (1) A central system of electronic certificates of origin (EU electronic Proof of Origin system) has been established, which is intended to ultimately replace paper documents with a fully electronic process. (2) The possibility of accepting origin documents after their expiry date has been extended and the rules for replacing origin documents within the Union have been simplified. (3) The rules on the registration of exporters have been consolidated, harmonising the requirements for Union exporters and those from third countries (GSP beneficiary countries). (4) Standardised data elements for supplier declarations have been introduced to facilitate their electronic exchange and processing. The regulation generally applies from 23 December 2027, with selected provisions (concerning, m.in, new supplier declarations and verification) coming into force from 23 June 2028.
New exemptions under REACH: Update on restrictions on polymer microbeads
The European Commission has adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/1168, which introduces significant amendments to Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation concerning restrictions on the placing on the market of synthetic polymer microbeads (microplastics). The changes aim to clarify the existing exemptions in line with the original legislative intentions. Microparticles used in product and process-oriented research and development (PPORD) in quantities of up to one tonne per year are covered by an explicit exemption, regardless of where the research is conducted (this also applies to hospitals and universities, not just industrial facilities). Electronics and telecommunications are research-intensive sectors (e.g. the development of new conductive materials, coatings or components). The possibility of using synthetic polymer microparticles in research and development activities (PPORD) outside industrial facilities will facilitate the work of R&D centres located, for example, at technical universities. Selected amendments concerning medicinal products and PPORD apply retroactively from 17 October 2023 to ensure legal certainty. The amendment concerning the duration of applications (the 1-year requirement) will enter into force on 22 June 2028.
ICC Implements eATA Carnet in Europe
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has announced the implementation of a digital ATA Carnet System (eATA Carnet) that offers a digital alternative to the traditional paper carnet used for temporary imports. According to the ICC website, the eATA Carnet System is designed to streamline carnet operations enabling businesses and customs authorities to manage transactions electronically and benefit from enhanced visibility through real-time tracking of goods. The initial rollout will commence on 1 June 2026 covering 30 countries (EU Member States, United Kingdom, Norway and Switzerland). Further countries are expected to join progressively in the following phases. During the transition period (2026–2027) both paper and digital carnets will remain in use meaning companies may need to manage a combination of formats depending on the countries involved. Full global implementation is anticipated by 1 January 2028.
EU to Introduce New Steel Industry Safeguards
A new European Union (EU) Regulation will replace the current steel safeguard regime from July 1, 2026, introducing stricter measures on imports, which introduces some changes that will increase duty exposure and significantly reinforce compliance and traceability obligations for importers. The system will include reduced tariff-free quotas and a 50% duty on out-of-quota imports for around 30 steel product categories. These measures will apply to all countries except European Economic Area (EEA) members. The Regulation also introduces a “melt & pour” requirement requiring importers to declare the country where steel was originally produced. From October 1, 2026, additional rules will require supporting documentation to evidence melt & pour origin at import.
EU: New list of weapons requiring a permit - update of regulations from June 2026
The Regulation of the Minister of Finance and Economy of 27 May 2026 on the list of armaments for which a licence is required has been published. The regulation updates the list of goods and technologies subject to strict control of trade with foreign countries. For the electronics, telecommunications and ICT sectors, this document is crucial, as the list includes, m.in, advanced electronic systems for military purposes, software for offensive cyber operations and cryptographic technologies. Tech companies have to verify that their products or technologies are not on the attached lists, which is associated with the need to obtain appropriate permits for export, transit or transfer within the EU. The regulation entered into force on 5 June 2026.
EU- Further sealing of the CBAM system: New requirements and challenges for importers
The European Commission welcomed the Council's agreement to strengthen the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which aims to make it more effective and better support the EU's climate goals. The new arrangements include extending the scope of the CBAM to certain downstream goods and strengthening measures to tackle circumvention. For the electronics sector, these changes are important because they may affect the import costs of components and semi-finished products used in high-tech production. This mechanism, by levelling the playing field in the internal market, is intended to protect the competitiveness of EU industry and accelerate investments in decarbonisation. Technology companies should monitor further legislative developments and prepare for a potential expansion of reporting obligations in their supply chains. The final adoption of these solutions by the European Parliament is expected in autumn 2026.
EU Council Agrees to Expand CBAM Scope to Downstream Goods and Tighten Safeguards
The European Council has reached an agreement to extend the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to specific downstream goods and reinforce anti-circumvention measures. The European Council has reached an agreement on a critical proposal to reinforce and expand the scope of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Building upon a package initially tabled by the European Commission in December 2025, this new political consensus marks a significant step forward in securing the EU's industrial transition and preventing carbon leakage.
By targeting downstream goods and tightening anti-circumvention rules, the EU aims to prevent companies from bypassing CBAM obligations—such as slightly altering products or shifting manufacturing further down the value chain to evade carbon pricing at the border. The legislative process will now move toward interinstitutional negotiations. Further substantial discussions will take place within the context of the trialogue (between the Commission, Council, and Parliament) following the European Parliament's formal adoption of its position, which is currently expected during a plenary vote in September.
EC imposes interim measures on Meta: Competitive AI returns to WhatsApp
The European Commission has imposed interim measures on Meta, requiring it to restore free access to the WhatsApp messaging service for competing AI assistants. This decision follows an ongoing antitrust investigation, which has provisionally concluded that Meta’s policy of blocking third-party AI providers could cause serious and irreversible harm to the digital market. For the telecoms and ICT sectors, this sends a key signal that regulators will actively counter practices that restrict competition in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence market. European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera emphasised that these measures are intended to ensure competition is maintained and to enable AI companies to carry out innovative activities within popular communication channels. Thanks to this intervention, European users will enjoy greater freedom of choice when using AI assistants directly within the WhatsApp messaging app. The investigation into this matter is ongoing, and the measures imposed will remain in force until the Commission issues its final decision.
Update to OFAC's list of Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Blocked Persons; Issuance of TCO-related General License; Publication of OFAC-OFSI Comparative Overview
The United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published a featured story detailing its enhanced partnership with the United Kingdom's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI).
In addition, OFAC and OFSI have published a joint guidance document to assist the private sector in understanding its obligations under both the U.S. and UK sanctions regimes, this guidance compares key aspects of both regimes and highlights key similarities and differences. This comparison focuses specifically on topics such as sanctions lists, available licenses, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements. While this guidance provides a general overview of key concepts, you are encouraged to review the most relevant OFAC or OFSI guidance or regulations to address specific questions or concerns. OFAC also is issuing TCO General License 2, "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving CCU Commercial Bank Plc."
Lastly, OFAC has updated its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. Please visit this page to access the latest version of the SDN list. Check this page periodically as it may also be updated if a new list-related format or product is offered.
Switzerland adopts new EU regulations for aviation
On 15 June 2026, the Joint Committee of the bilateral air services agreement between Switzerland and the EU decided to adopt various decrees; the Federal Council had approved the takeover on 12 June 2026. The decrees will come into force on 1 July 2026.
UK Announces New Steel Safeguard Measures
In a publication on March 19, 2026, the United Kingdom (UK) government announced a new steel strategy, with the aim of revitalizing the UK steel industry. As part of this strategy, new steel trading measures were announced that will go into effect on July 1, 2026. The impact of this measure is to reduce overall import quota volumes by 60% compared to the existing steel safeguard measures, with those safeguards expiring at the end of June 2026. Imports from July 1, 2026, that fall outside of the available quota will face a 50% tariff rate. Available quota will be on a first come first serve basis, available quota volumes per quarter are identified by category and country. Any available unused quota in a quarter will roll over to the next quarter, however unused quotas will not carry over to the subsequent year. Source