On 9 March 2026, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/507 of 6 March 2026 was published, granting Cape Verde a temporary exception to the preferential rules of origin established in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446. This measure directly affects canned and prepared fillets of tuna, mackerel and frigate tuna (melva tazard) originating from that country, and has relevant implications for European importers, customs operators and companies in the food sector. If your business is linked to the import or distribution of canned fish, this regulation deserves your immediate attention.
What does this regulation establish?
The EU Regulation 2026/507 introduces a temporary exception to the preferential rules of origin that the European Union normally requires for a product to benefit from advantageous tariff conditions. Specifically, the regulation affects the following products originating from Cape Verde:
- Preparations or preserves of tuna fillets and tuna loins (raw, cooked or frozen)
- Preparations or preserves of mackerel fillets
- Preparations or preserves of frigate tuna (melva tazard) or melva fillets
Normally, for a processed product to qualify for preferential tariff treatment in the EU, it must meet certain sufficient processing requirements: that is, the production process carried out in the country of origin must add a specific value and the raw materials used must also have a specific origin. In this case, the European Commission has decided to grant Cape Verde a temporary exception to these requirements, meaning that these products will be able to access the European market under preferential tariff conditions even if they do not strictly meet those processing requirements.
The measure entered into force on 6 March 2026, coinciding with the date of adoption of the regulation, and is temporary in nature, so operators must monitor its validity and any possible future extensions or amendments.
Who is affected and how?
This regulation has a direct impact on several professional profiles in the field of foreign trade and food in Spain and across the EU:
- European importers of canned fish: They will be able to access supplies from Cape Verde under advantageous tariff conditions, which may result in cost reductions in the supply chain. Now is the time to assess whether Cape Verde can become a strategic supplier during the period this exception is in force.
- Canning companies and food sector distributors: Those working with tuna, mackerel or frigate tuna in their product lines should review their supply chains to identify whether they can take advantage of this temporary window and improve their price competitiveness.
- Customs operators: They will need to update their classification and documentation procedures to correctly reflect the application of this exception in import declarations, ensuring that products benefit from the preferential regime correctly and in accordance with current regulations.
- Foreign trade departments: Those responsible for international purchasing and logistics in food sector companies must incorporate this regulatory change into their sourcing analyses and negotiations with Cape Verdean suppliers.
In practical terms, the exception means that, during its period of application, the affected products originating from Cape Verde will not need to demonstrate compliance with the usual sufficient processing requirements in order to benefit from preferential treatment. This opens up a concrete commercial opportunity for those working with these products.
What should you do to adapt?
If your company may be affected by this regulation, we recommend following these action steps:
- Review your supply chain: Analyse whether you currently import or could import canned tuna, mackerel or frigate tuna from Cape Verde, and assess the economic impact of benefiting from preferential tariff treatment.
- Consult your customs operator: Inform your customs agent or foreign trade department about the existence of this exception so they can apply it correctly in the corresponding import declarations.
- Verify origin documentation: Even though this is an exception, products must be correctly documented as originating from Cape Verde. Ensure that your suppliers can adequately certify the origin.
- Monitor the temporary validity of the measure: As this is a temporary exception, it is essential to keep track of the expiry date and any possible amendments. Consult the original regulation to find out the exact application deadlines.
- Update your contracts and commercial agreements: If you are going to initiate or expand commercial relations with Cape Verde suppliers based on this exception, ensure that contracts reflect the temporary nature of the applicable tariff conditions.
- Consult the original regulation for specific details on conditions, deadlines and documentary requirements that may apply to your specific situation.
This exception represents a one-off opportunity to optimise import costs in the canned fish sector, but requires diligent and well-documented action to take advantage of it correctly and avoid problems at customs clearance.
Official source
View full regulation at official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions regarding your situation, please consult a qualified professional. Original source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026R0507
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