Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1785 of 23 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Modified regulation | Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/191 (definitive anti-dumping duties on iron or steel fastening elements from China) |
| Publication | 24 July 2026 |
| Entry into force | 23 July 2026 |
| Affected parties | European importers of screws and iron or steel fastening elements originating from China |
| Category | European Regulation |
| Reason for change | Acceptance of application for new exporter producer status from Chinese manufacturer |
| Official source | EUR-Lex OJ:L_202601785 |
European importers of iron or steel screws and fastening elements from China have an important update as of 23 July 2026: the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1785 modifies the anti-dumping duty regime applicable to these products, assigning an individualized rate to a Chinese manufacturer that has applied for and obtained recognition as a new exporter producer.
Until now, that manufacturer was subject to the general residual rate established in Regulation 2022/191. From the entry into force of this modification, it is subject to its own definitive anti-dumping duty rate. For importers working with that supplier, this may mean a different customs cost, but only if the import documentation correctly reflects the manufacturer of origin.
What does this regulation establish?
Regulation 2022/191 established definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of certain iron or steel fastening elements originating from the People's Republic of China. This type of measure protects European industry against imports sold below their actual production cost.
The new exporter producer mechanism allows a Chinese manufacturer that was not investigated in the original proceeding to request the European Commission to assign it its own duty rate, instead of being subject to the general residual rate, which is usually the highest. To do so, it must demonstrate that it did not export the product during the original investigation period and that it is not linked to any of the exporters subject to the existing measures.
| Situation | Before Regulation 2026/1785 | After Regulation 2026/1785 |
|---|---|---|
| Rate applied to requesting manufacturer | General residual rate (the highest, applicable to exporters not individually identified) | Individualized anti-dumping rate specifically assigned to that manufacturer |
| Regulatory basis | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/191 | Regulation 2022/191 as amended by Regulation 2026/1785 |
| Requirement to apply the correct rate | Not applicable (automatic residual rate) | Customs declaration with correct identification of manufacturer and origin |
The Commission does not publish in the regulation the exact percentage of the new individualized rate in the available summary, but the assignment of its own rate necessarily implies that it differs from the general residual rate in force for other unidentified Chinese exporters.
Economic and operational impact
The economic impact of this modification depends on whether the assigned individualized rate is lower or higher than the general residual rate. In practice, individualized rates resulting from anti-dumping investigations are usually lower than the residual rate, making this recognition an opportunity for cost savings in import costs for those purchasing from that specific manufacturer.
However, the benefit is only realized if two operational conditions are met:
- Correct identification of the manufacturer in the import customs declaration.
- Verifiable documentation of origin that proves that the product actually comes from that manufacturer and not from another Chinese exporter.
The operational risk is real: if an importer applies the individualized rate to goods that do not come from the recognized manufacturer, or if they cannot prove it documentally in a customs inspection, the authority may demand the difference between the applied rate and the general residual rate, plus interest and possible administrative penalties.
For the construction, automotive and manufacturing industries, which consume large volumes of these components, reviewing the supply chain and correct tariff classification is not optional: it is a compliance obligation with direct impact on procurement costs.
Who does it affect?
- European importers of screws, nuts, bolts and other iron or steel fastening elements originating from China.
- Construction sector companies that use these components on site and import them directly or through distributors.
- Automotive sector manufacturers that incorporate steel fastening elements in their assembly processes.
- Manufacturing industry in general that uses these components as inputs in its production.
- Customs agents and logistics operators that manage import declarations for these products and must apply the correct rate according to the manufacturer.
- Purchasing and procurement departments that negotiate with Chinese suppliers and must verify if their supplier is the recognized manufacturer.
Practical example
A Spanish construction company regularly imports screws and steel fastening elements from China. Until now, its Chinese supplier was subject to the general residual rate of Regulation 2022/191, the highest applicable.
Following the entry into force of Regulation 2026/1785 on 23 July 2026, that supplier has been recognized as a new exporter producer and assigned an individualized anti-dumping rate. If the individualized rate is lower than the residual rate, the importing company can reduce its customs cost in each transaction.
To benefit from this, the purchasing department must: (1) confirm with the supplier that it is indeed the manufacturer recognized in Regulation 2026/1785; (2) request the documentation that proves it; and (3) communicate it to the customs agent so that the correct rate is applied in the import declaration. Without these steps, the general residual rate will continue to apply automatically and the company will lose the potential savings.
What should companies do now?
- Identify if your Chinese supplier is the recognized manufacturer. Contact your supplier and request confirmation of whether it is the company to which Regulation 2026/1785 has assigned the individualized rate. Request documentation that proves it.
- Review the tariff classifications of your imports. Ensure that the iron or steel fastening elements you import are correctly classified and that the manufacturer is identified in the customs declaration.
- Inform your customs agent. Communicate the regulatory change and provide the manufacturer's documentation so that the correct rate is applied from 23 July 2026.
- Review operations from the entry into force date. If you have already made imports since 23 July 2026 without applying the individualized rate, assess with your customs advisor whether a declaration amendment is appropriate.
- Update supplier contracts. Include clauses that require the supplier to notify you of any change in its customs status or in the anti-dumping rates applicable to it.
- Consult the full regulation on EUR-Lex. The full text of Regulation 2026/1785 contains the exact rate assigned to the recognized manufacturer and the applicable documentary requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is new exporter producer treatment and why does the tariff change?
New exporter producer treatment is a mechanism of European anti-dumping law that allows a Chinese manufacturer that did not participate in the original investigation to request the European Commission to assign it its own duty rate. If the application is accepted, as occurs with Regulation 2026/1785, that manufacturer ceases to be subject to the general residual rate (the highest) and obtains an individualized rate calculated specifically for it. This may result in a lower tariff for importers purchasing from that specific manufacturer.
From when does the new anti-dumping rate apply to that Chinese manufacturer?
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1785 entered into force on 23 July 2026, the date of its signature. It was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 24 July 2026. Imports made from 23 July 2026 of products from that recognized manufacturer must apply the individualized rate, not the general residual rate of Regulation 2022/191.
What happens if I apply the incorrect rate in the customs declaration?
If you apply the general residual rate when the individualized rate applies (or vice versa), the customs authority may demand the difference in duties not paid, plus interest on arrears and, where applicable, administrative penalties. Correct identification of the manufacturer in the customs declaration is the key requirement for applying the correct rate. Without documentation proving that the product comes from the recognized manufacturer, you will not be able to benefit from the individualized rate.
What documentation do I need to apply the individualized anti-dumping rate?
You must be able to document that the imported product has been manufactured by the Chinese company recognized in Regulation 2026/1785. This includes, at a minimum, the commercial invoice with manufacturer identification, the certificate of origin and any other documentation that customs authorities may require to verify the producer's identity. Consult with your customs agent the specific requirements applicable in your country of import.
Which sectors should review their supply chains due to this change?
According to Regulation 2026/1785, the sectors that should review their supply chains are construction, automotive and manufacturing industry in general, all of them regular users of screws, bolts, nuts and other iron or steel fastening elements of Chinese origin. Customs agents and logistics operators managing import declarations for these products must also take action.
Official source
Consult full regulation at official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601785