On 27 March 2026, the European Union (EU) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated a safeguard investigation on imports of grain-oriented electrical steel, classifiable in tariff subheadings 7225.11.00, 7226.11.00, and 8504.90, on which comment is due by 27 April 2026.
What is a safeguard investigation?
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or are threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.
During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to presentations by other parties.
A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.