The British Trade Regulatory Authority (TRA) has lifted Vietnam's exemption from the tariff quota (TRQ) for rebar imports after a review, Kallanish reports from a published government notice.
Steel products of category 13 are defined by commodity codes 72142000 and 72149910. The audit was initiated on November 10, 2025, after an application was submitted by the British steel manufacturer 7 STEEL UK due to a significant change in circumstances. The application states that the import of fittings from Vietnam may have exceeded the threshold set for exceptions for developing countries.
According to UK rules, imports from developing World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries, which account for 3% or less of total imports to the UK, must be exempt from customs duties.
The investigation period (POI) for conducting an audit to assess changes in circumstances was from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. It was found that during this period Vietnam shipped 21,184 tons, which is 5.535% of imports. A representative period for assessing traditional trade flows was the period from 2017 to 2019.
TRA recommended to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to amend the TRQ so that the import of fittings from Vietnam is no longer subject to the protective measure and now has access to a residual quota.
The updated tariff quota is valid from January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026. In the current quarter, 23,514 tons will be available under the remaining quota, while the 20% limit for each individual exporting country is set at 4,703 tons.
The update also confirms that Ukraine is still not subject to protective measures.
Author: Carrie Bone, United Kingdom
Kallanish.com
