Chinese anti-dumping tariff on fasteners 2026: what changes for importers

Key data

If you import screws, nuts, bolts or other iron or steel fastening elements from China, this change affects you directly. The Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1926, published on 10 August 2026, amends Regulation 2022/191 to assign an individualized anti-dumping tariff to a new Chinese producer exporter that has requested and obtained this differentiated treatment.

The change is not minor: until now, that manufacturer was subject to the general residual rate—the highest, applied by default to all Chinese exporters without their own rate—. From now on, it has its own individualized rate, which can mean a significant difference in the cost of your imports if that is your supplier.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation 2022/191 imposes definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of certain iron or steel fastening elements originating from the People's Republic of China. This anti-dumping tariff system operates on two levels:

• Individualized rate: assigned to Chinese manufacturers that have been investigated or that have requested and obtained recognition as a new exporter. It is usually lower than the residual rate.
• General residual rate: the highest rate, applied by default to all Chinese exporters that do not have their own assigned rate.

Regulation 2026/1926 introduces a specific modification: it accepts the application for new exporter treatment submitted by a Chinese company in the sector, and assigns it an individualized anti-dumping duty rate. This also implies the assignment of a new specific TARIC code for that manufacturer.

The regulation does not publish the exact amount of the individualized rate assigned: that information is contained in the full text of the regulation available in the EU Official Journal. To find out the specific rate and the new TARIC code, it is essential to consult the annex of the regulation.

Economic and operational impact

The economic impact depends on two variables that you can only know by consulting the complete regulation:

• The individualized rate assigned to the new producer compared to the residual rate that was being applied.
• The volume of purchases you make from that specific manufacturer.

In operational terms, the impact is immediate and mandatory: from 7 August 2026, any import of fastening elements from that Chinese manufacturer must be declared with the new individualized TARIC code. Using the old residual code can generate customs problems, incorrect settlements and possible subsequent regularizations.

If the individualized rate is lower than the residual—which frequently occurs in these procedures—, the importer benefits from a lower tariff cost. If it is higher, the cost increases. In any case, the obligation to update the customs declaration is immediate.

Who does it affect?

• Spanish and European importers who purchase screws, nuts, bolts or other iron or steel fastening elements from the specific Chinese manufacturer that has obtained new exporter treatment.
• Purchasing and procurement departments of industrial companies, construction firms, machinery manufacturers or distributors that supply these types of products.
• Customs agents and logistics operators who manage import declarations for these products from China.
• CFOs and financial managers of companies with significant import volumes of Chinese steel fastening elements, who must review the impact on procurement costs.
• Foreign trade advisors who advise client importers in this sector.

Practical example

Imagine a Spanish agricultural machinery manufacturer that regularly imports steel screws and bolts from a Chinese supplier. Until 6 August 2026, that supplier did not have an individualized rate, so the company declared imports with the residual TARIC code and paid the general residual rate of Regulation 2022/191.

From 7 August 2026, that same supplier has obtained new exporter treatment. The importing company must:

1. Identify the new TARIC code assigned to that manufacturer in the annex of Regulation 2026/1926.
2. Update its customs declarations (DUA) with that new code from the date of entry into force.
3. Calculate the difference between the previous residual rate and the new individualized rate to estimate the impact on its procurement costs.

If the new individualized rate is, for example, lower than the residual, each imported shipment will generate a direct tariff saving. If it is higher, the cost increases and it may be necessary to renegotiate conditions with the supplier or review the procurement policy.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your Chinese supplier is affected: Consult the full text of Regulation 2026/1926 in the EU Official Journal to verify the name of the manufacturer that has obtained new exporter treatment.
2. Obtain the new TARIC code: Locate in the annex of the regulation the individualized TARIC code assigned to that manufacturer. It is the most critical operational data for your customs declarations.
3. Update customs declarations (DUA): From 7 August 2026, all imports from that manufacturer must be declared with the new TARIC code. Coordinate this change with your customs agent.
4. Calculate the impact on costs: Compare the new individualized rate with the residual rate you were applying. If there is a difference, update your procurement cost forecasts.
5. Review operations from 7 August: If you have already made imports between 7 and 10 August with the old code, consider whether it is necessary to file a corrective declaration with your customs agent.

Official source

View complete 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=CELEX:32026R1926