New evidence requirements for EU steel imports
From 1 October 2026, new evidence requirements will apply to affected steel products being imported into the EU.
Importers will need to hold documentation confirming both:
- The country where the steel was melted and poured
- The heat number of the imported steel
The primary evidence will be a Mill Test Certificate (MTC). Where an MTC does not contain all the required information, other supporting documentation may be accepted. A transition period will also apply until 30 September 2027 where an MTC is unavailable.
Businesses importing affected steel products should review upcoming shipments now and ensure the required information can be obtained from suppliers before goods are presented to customs.
These evidence requirements apply to affected steel imports generally, whether or not a tariff quota is being claimed. Where a tariff quota is being used, additional quota requirements may also apply.
Selected Asia–Europe services return to Suez Canal routing
Major ocean carriers are beginning to return selected Asia–Europe services to the Suez Canal and Red Sea corridor, following an extended period of routing vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have confirmed that additional services, including the AE5 Asia–Northern Europe service, will transition back to Suez routing. CMA CGM has also increased its use of the canal on selected Asia–Europe services.
For customers moving goods between Asia and Europe, the change could mean shorter transit times on affected services, as vessels avoid the longer routing around southern Africa.
This is not yet a complete market-wide return to the Suez Canal. Routing continues to vary by carrier, service and direction, and remains subject to security conditions in the Red Sea and wider region. Further changes may therefore be made at short notice.
Woodland Group is monitoring carrier schedules and routing developments closely. If you have upcoming Asia–Europe shipments, speak to our Ocean Freight team for the latest routing, transit times and available options.