The Spanish Steel Producers Association (UNESCO) stressed the importance of correctly classifying steel products in accordance with the customs legislation of the European Union (EU) and warned that after the full implementation of the carbon control mechanism at the border (CBAM), an error in the tariff classification could lead to serious economic consequences. ,
,UNESCO recalled that in some EU member States, large-diameter steel pipes were classified as "steel structures". However, according to the EU's Mandatory Tariff Information (EBTI) decision, which entered into force in August 2025, these products should be classified as "large diameter welded steel pipes". The Association also noted that similar classification problems had previously arisen with regard to steel pipes used in solar energy tracking systems, and that it had already contacted the relevant authorities about this.
,Incorrect classification can significantly increase CBAM obligations. ,
,According to UNESCO, the correct customs classification is not only a legal requirement, but also necessary for the proper functioning of the EU internal market, ensuring legal certainty and fair competition between importers. In this regard, the association stressed that customs regulations should be applied consistently in all EU member States.
The statement notes that the economic consequences of misclassification have become even more significant after the introduction of CBAM. According to the default emission values set by the European Commission, the emission index assigned to "steel structures" is significantly higher than that of some steel pipe products.
UNESCO reported that the standard CO2 emission values for steel structures produced in China or Turkey are about 4 million tons higher than for steel pipes imported from the same countries. Based on the carbon price of 80 euros per ton of CO2, the association estimated that only an incorrect tariff classification could increase CBAM costs by about 300 euros per ton.
Verified emission data is still a serious problem.
The Association noted that although CBAM legislation allows for the use of validated emission data instead of standard values, serious difficulties remain in practice.
According to UNESCO, the European authorities have not yet decided to switch to using validated emission data instead of the default values. In addition, the development of the accreditation system necessary for the verification of emissions in 2026 has been completed. Steel pipe manufacturers should not only confirm emissions,