Quick Tips for Logistics Professionals
- 93 new products could be eligible for a temporary suspension of import duties into the European Union, and 44 existing measures are likely to be amended. 👉 See the EUROPA section on “Autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas.”
- Objective: to support the competitiveness of businesses by reducing the cost of raw materials or components not available in Europe.
- European companies producing identical or equivalent goods may object to these tariff suspensions.
- Objection forms must be submitted by November 5 or November 28, 2025, as applicable.
The European Commission is preparing new tariff measures applicable from July 1, 2026. This mechanism may have a direct impact on the industrial or commercial interests of European companies, which are called upon to react before November 28.
Understanding the mechanism of autonomous tariff suspensions
The European Union can temporarily suspend customs duties on certain imported goods: raw materials, semi-finished products or components used in the manufacture of finished products on EU territory. This suspension is intended to reduce production costs for importing companies. These suspensions are reviewed every 6 months and adopted following a technical and economic assessment carried out by the Commission, on the basis of requests from companies. Please note
- The difference between suspensions (unlimited in volume) and quotas (with suspensions limited to certain quantities)
- The principle of 1st come,1st served for quotas
- The ” Erga Omnes ” nature of suspensions: once a suspension has been adopted, any company importing into the European Union can benefit from it.
- A distinction is made between autonomous quotas and preferential tariff quotas (linked to a preferential origin).
Products eligible for duty suspension as of July 2026
The ” STM25.360 ” tariff cycle provides for :
- 93 new goods eligible for duty-free treatment > See “Suspensions in preparation“.
- 44 existing measures likely to be modified > headings “suspensions in force” and “quotas in preparation“.
The complete list is available on the European Commission website: EUROPA Taxation and Customs Union.
👉 Please enter the chapter number of the European customs tariff e.g. “84” for “NUCLEAR REACTORS, BOILERS, MACHINES, APPARATUS AND MECHANICAL ENGINES; PARTS OF SUCH MACHINES OR APPARATUS” then “Search” (example).
👉 See also our articles on customs codes and tariffs, and European Union free trade agreements.
What if you produce an equivalent product?
European producers may file an objection to a tariff suspension:
- By filling in the opposition form (available in English and French here).
- By sending it to the French Customs Department (COMINT3), before the following deadlines:
- November 5, 2025 for measures already in force.
- November 28, 2025 for new applications or amendments.
📩 Deposit addresses: dg-comint3-suspensions@douane.finances.gouv.fr and jeanne.magrez@douane.finances.gouv.fr
Do you need help?
The analysis of tariff suspensions may seem technical, but it raises strategic issues for European manufacturers. An incorrect assessment can lead to :
- A loss of competitiveness in the face of foreign competitors with lower tariffs.
- Distortion of competition on the European market.
Our customs engineering service can help you identify the suspensions affecting your sector, assess the opportunities or risks for your business, and prepare and formulate a solid, legally sound opposition.
