Tariffs on optical fibre cables from India 2026: real costs for importers

Key data

European importers of optical fibre cables from India have been operating under corrected tariff rates since 23 March 2026. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/698 rectifies material errors identified in two previous regulations that accumulate countervailing and anti-dumping duties on this product. Although the correction does not change the underlying trade policy, it does update the exact applicable rates, which requires a review of the customs calculation basis used to date.

For telecommunications and infrastructure operators that depend on Indian supply, the impact is not merely administrative: the combination of both types of duties can significantly increase the cost of each import operation, opening the door to reconsidering the supply chain.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation 2026/698 acts as a technical correction to two previous regulations that established trade defence measures on optical fibre cables originating from India:

Countervailing duties are applied when it is found that a third country subsidises its exports, distorting competition in the European market. Anti-dumping duties are triggered when a product is exported to the EU at a price below its normal value in the country of origin market. The accumulation of both on the same product — optical fibre cables from India — is the central element that determines the actual cost of importation.

The correction does not alter the underlying trade policy: the duties remain in force. What changes are the technical or drafting inaccuracies that could cause confusion in the application of specific rates.

Economic and operational impact

The accumulation of countervailing and anti-dumping duties on the same product has a direct and cumulative effect on the import price. Each consignment of optical fibre cables from India bears both types of duty, which can significantly increase procurement costs compared to suppliers from other origins not subject to these measures.

From an operational standpoint, the correction of errors in the applicable rates requires importers to:

• Verify that customs declarations submitted since the entry into force of Regulation 2025/1135 use the correct rates, not those containing errors.
• Update customs management and ERP systems with the new corrected values published in Regulation 2026/698.
• Assess whether previous customs settlements need to be reviewed or rectified before the competent authority.

For telecommunications and infrastructure operators, the impact goes beyond compliance: the cumulative increase in import costs from India may justify a strategic review of suppliers, both within the EU and in third countries not affected by these measures.

Who is affected?

• Direct importers of optical fibre cables originating from India: they are the liable parties for countervailing and anti-dumping duties. They must apply the corrected rates from 23 March 2026.
• Telecommunications operators: companies that use optical fibre cables imported from India for network deployment or maintenance. The increase in supply costs impacts their infrastructure costs.
• Infrastructure and network construction companies: contractors and operators that incorporate this material into connectivity projects, both public and private.
• Procurement and supply chain departments: responsible for assessing the cost impact and exploring alternative sourcing options within or outside the EU.
• Customs advisors and agents: professionals who manage import declarations and must apply the updated tariff rates.

Practical example

A Spanish importer that regularly purchases optical fibre cables from an Indian manufacturer operates under the accumulation of two types of duties: the countervailing duties established by Regulation (EU) 2025/1135 and the anti-dumping duties under Regulation (EU) 2024/3014.

Before the publication of Regulation 2026/698, this importer applied the rates as they appeared in the original regulations, which contained material errors. From 23 March 2026, the corrected rates must be applied. If customs declarations submitted since the entry into force of Regulation 2025/1135 used the erroneous values, the importer may face a difference in the tariff settlement that will need to be regularised before the Tax Agency or the competent customs authority.

Additionally, if the total import cost — combining both duties — makes the price of Indian cable comparable to or higher than that of European suppliers or third-country suppliers not subject to trade defence measures, the procurement department has an objective basis to initiate a supplier diversification process.

What should companies do now?

1. Locate and read Regulation 2026/698: access the text published in the Official Journal of the EU to identify exactly which tariff rates have been corrected with respect to Regulations 2025/1135 and 2024/3014.
2. Review previous customs declarations: verify whether imports made since the entry into force of Regulation 2025/1135 applied the erroneous rates. If so, assess the need to submit corrective declarations.
3. Update customs management systems: incorporate the corrected rates into ERPs, clearance systems and import cost calculation templates.
4. Calculate the cumulative cost impact: quantify the combined effect of countervailing and anti-dumping duties on the final price of each consignment imported from India.
5. Evaluate alternative sourcing options: if the cumulative cost increase is significant, initiate an analysis of alternative suppliers within the EU or in third countries not subject to these trade defence measures.
6. Coordinate with the customs advisor: ensure that the usual customs agent or advisor is aware of the correction and applies the updated rates to all operations from 23 March 2026.

Official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026R0698