UK plans tariff-free steel imports for line pipe and bright bar makers from 26 November

UK makers of line pipe and bright bar may soon get some steel inputs without tariffs. The government says it intends to start two "authorised use" schemes from 26 November 2026. This is a stated plan, not yet a rule in force.

The plan appears in the Department for Business and Trade's steel trade measure guidance, which was updated on 3 November 2026. The schemes would let these processors import specific steel tariff free for use in their production.

The steel is listed by commodity code. For line pipe, it covers hot-rolled sheets and strips and quarto plates. For bright bar, it covers hot-rolled sheets and strips, and alloy and non-alloy merchant bars and light sections.

The wider UK steel trade measure started on 1 July 2026. It includes a 50% out-of-quota duty on relevant product lines.

The page does not say how a processor applies or qualifies. It gives no volumes or conditions. It also says ship-work authorised use relief does not apply to steel within the measure.

This matters for UK line pipe and bright bar processors, and for steel suppliers selling to them.

Next, watch for the legal instrument and application details before 26 November.

What to check

• Are your steel inputs on the listed commodity codes?
• How will you apply once details are published?
• Is the scheme confirmed in law before you plan around it?

Further reading: UK's steel trade measure from 1 July 2026 (GOV.UK).