Confusion at national customs authorities across Europe, created by the implementation of the safeguard measures on steel imports imposed by the European Commission (EC), has caused delays for steel importers, market sources told Metal Bulletin this week.
The EC's preliminary measures in the safeguard case came into effect on July 18, in the form of tariff rate quotas (TRQs) on 23 product categories, based on average import volumes over the past three years. Imports will face a 25% tariff if a quota is exceeded.But a lack of clarity among customs authorities across the region concerning how to implement the measures has led to delays and extra costs for importers, market participants said."It seems that customs authorities want confirmation from importers of their ability to pay 125% of the value...