This Week in the Single Market — Brussels (#25, 2026)
Transatlantic tariffs reset; €3 e-commerce customs duty starts; Steel import quotas updated; Council adopts US tariff adjustment rules; Major food and feed GM authorisations.
June 28, 2026 to July 04, 2026
Transatlantic tariffs reset; €3 e-commerce customs duty starts; Steel import quotas updated; Council adopts US tariff adjustment rules; Major food and feed GM authorisations.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on International Trade (INTA): On July 06, the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Interim Agreement on Trade between the European Union and the United Mexican States; Date of next meetings.
- Informal meeting of competitiveness ministers (Internal market and industry): On July 09, the EU Council's Informal meeting of competitiveness ministers (Internal market and industry) configuration is scheduled to hold an informal meeting ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission explains application of the €3 temporary customs duty on low-value e-commerce imports
On 30 June 2026, the European Commission published a detailed Q&A to clarify the implementation of the €3 temporary customs duty for consignments up to €150, effective from 1 July 2026. The measure applies per distinct item and is collected from platforms, sellers, or carriers, but not consumers, and is designed to respond to increased volumes and provide a uniform approach across Member States. The duty will remain in force until 1 July 2028, after which standard customs tariffs determined by value, origin, and tariff classification will apply. An anti-abuse clause and guidelines are included to address avoidance, and the measure is part of the broader EU Customs Reform to ensure fairer competition and increased compliance in the Single Market.
Formal approval of new €3 e-commerce customs duty and removal of low-value threshold in the EU
On 30 June 2026, the Commission announced the abolition of the de minimis customs exemption for goods under €150, introducing a €3 customs duty per item on e-commerce packages from third countries sold to EU consumers. The reform addresses longstanding distortions, such as the undervaluation of goods or splitting orders, and imposes new traceability requirements, notably the declaration of product identifiers. The measure is temporary, in place until July 2028, coinciding with the launch of the EU Customs Data Hub. The regulation is part of the Customs Reform adopted by the Parliament and Council on 26 March 2026.
Commission updates on implementation of new steel import quotas under the Steel Regulation
In a Q&A issued 29 June 2026, the Commission elaborated on the distribution of annual duty-free quotas under the new Steel Regulation, which replaces expired safeguard measures. From 1 July 2026, imports of 26 steel categories are limited to 18.3 million tonnes duty-free, subject to a 50% out-of-quota tariff. Quotas are divided between Free Trade Agreement partners and all trading partners based on 2022-24 data and negotiated WTO agreements. Special provisions address goods from EEA states and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, with attention to market access and compliance with WTO obligations.
Commission clarifies recycling rules for PET bottles—chemical and mechanical recycling
The Commission on 29 June 2026 adopted implementing rules for calculating, verifying, and reporting chemically recycled content in single-use PET bottles. These rules allow for both chemical and mechanical methods and are intended to ensure traceable compliance towards EU recycled-content targets. From November 2027, recycled plastics from the EU/EEA and OECD countries will count, with further expansion possible for non-OECD countries with equivalent standards. The rules derive from the December 2025 plastics package and are tied to requirements under the Single-Use Plastics Directive.
Commission investigates Dutch rail competition rules under EU Treaty
On 28 June 2026, the Commission informed the Netherlands that priority capacity allocation for Dutch state railway operator NS may breach Article 106 in conjunction with Article 102 TFEU. Since 2025, Dutch rules have favoured NS over competitors for rail network capacity, potentially affecting international passenger services. The Commission issued a Letter of Formal Notice as a preliminary procedural step; the final outcome will depend on the Dutch government’s response and subsequent legal assessment.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 on reciprocal tariff adjustments and quotas for US-EU trade enters into force
Regulation (EU) 2026/1455, effective from 1 July 2026, codifies lowered customs duties for selected US goods entering the EU, in line with the Joint Statement of 21 August 2025. Tariff quotas are also introduced for certain US agricultural and industrial products, and a safeguard mechanism is included to protect EU industries. The regulation allows for suspension in case the US deviates from agreed commitments, particularly for sectors such as steel and aluminium.
Regulation (EU) 2026/1461 renews zero customs duties for specific US lobster products
From 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2030, Regulation (EU) 2026/1461 maintains 0% duty for live, frozen, and processed lobster products (CN codes 0306 13 10, 0306 13 40, 1605 30 90) from the US. This forms part of the EU-US tariff agreement and is contingent on ongoing US compliance. Refunds are available for excess duties paid from August 2025.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1457 allocates new steel tariff quotas under the Steel Regulation
On 29 June 2026, the Commission issued Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1457, distributing 18.3 million tonnes of annual steel import quotas set by Regulation (EU) 2026/1384. Quotas are split between FTA partners and others, with detailed provisions for country-specific and residual quotas. Management rules ensure first-come-first-served allocation and focus on non-preferential origin.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1022: Customs processes for new €3 e-commerce duty
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1022 amends the Union Customs Code’s supplementary rules relating to e-commerce shipments valued below €150, implementing the new €3 per item customs duty. It defines taxable items, data requirements, and responsibilities for platforms and carriers, with effect from 1 July 2026.
EU Council
Council adopts position on the new US-EU tariff framework
On 25 June 2026, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/1455, endorsing tariff adjustments and quota management for imports from the United States as per the Joint Statement of 21 August 2025. The regulation includes the conditions and procedures for both temporary suspension and safeguard measures.
EP Committee Work
ECON Committee considers 'Market Integration and Supervision Package' draft reports
On 2 July 2026, the ECON Committee discussed draft reports on Commission proposals COM(2025)0943 and COM(2025)0942, which amend regulations and directives to advance capital market integration and supervision. Rapporteurs Markus Ferber (PPE) and Eero Heinäluoma (S&D) set amendment deadlines for 16 July 2026.
AGRI Committee examines draft report on Common Agricultural Policy support for 2028-2034
On 29 June 2026, the AGRI Committee debated Norbert Lins’ (PPE) draft report on establishing rules for EU financial support to the CAP for 2028–2034 (COM(2025)0560, 2025/0241(COD)). The amendment deadline is 7 July 2026.
