Assofermet criticizes the EU's "incomprehensible and unjustified" delay in publishing protective quotas for specific countries
The Italian association representing the trade, distribution and processing of metal products Assofermet published a press release today, June 26, in which it calls on the European Commission to "urgently proceed with the adoption of quotas for specific countries" as part of the new protective regulations,"to put an end to a situation that could jeopardize the normal functioning of supply chains and the competitiveness of European industry."
A few days before the introduction of the new protective regulation, which will determine tariff quotas for imports of steel products into the European Union, the EU Commission has not yet decided on the distribution of quotas by origin.
"This is an extremely serious omission that creates an atmosphere of complete uncertainty for market participants, and is also a source of inevitable new difficulties in managing and executing contracts at the international level and at the customs clearance stage," Assofermet said, defining the delay as "incomprehensible and unjustified."
In this case, companies operating in the steel sector, including importers, distributors, and end users, are forced to plan their operations in conditions of complete uncertainty, unaware of the working methods that will be implemented after the new rules come into force on July 1.
Another issue mentioned by Assofermet concerns the issues arising from this situation regarding customs obligations and the timing of operators' adaptation to the new regulatory framework.
The association's position is firm, and it defines the EU Commission's conduct as "incompatible with the principles of legal certainty, administrative transparency, and protection of companies' legitimate expectations of institutions."
Author: Editorial staff of SteelOrbis
Steelorbis.com