The clock is ticking: domestic companies must act now to be able to import duty-free

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 01. 27. 12:23

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Companies that want to import goods that are not available in the European Union or that are only available in limited quantities in the EU duty-free or at a reduced duty rate from the beginning of next year must act by the end of February. This is important because by applying the so-called tariff suspensions and tariff quotas that make this possible, domestic companies can achieve significant savings and thus a competitive advantage – EY points out.

The aim of the special tariff preferences is to strengthen the competitiveness and production capacity of EU manufacturers compared to suppliers outside the European Union. Beneficiary companies can purchase raw materials, semi-finished products and components from outside the EU without paying the general tariff rate.

“It is important that the European Commission grants tariff suspensions only in cases where their granting serves the economic interests of the European Union. Therefore, for a positive assessment of applications, complex requirements must be met, for which it is worth seeking expert assistance”

– emphasized Dr. Áron Nagy, Partner at EY.

Applications for benefits valid from January 1, 2027 must be submitted no later than February 28, 2026. There is also another deadline: for applications submitted by August 31, the option can be used from July 1, 2027.

“By applying tariff suspension and tariff quota, on the one hand, significant cost reductions can be achieved, and on the other hand, these options can also improve liquidity in the long term, as the discounts can be valid for up to five years. Among industry players, manufacturers and industrial companies that use large volumes of raw materials and products imported from outside the EU can benefit in particular”

— emphasized Attila Fülöp, Partner at EY.