Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026

Parliament voted on 24 June 2026 to approve the Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026, a statutory instrument that raises import duties on certain steel products to 50%. The motion passed by 323 votes to 160. The regulations implement part of the Government's steel strategy, announced in March 2026. They replace the expiring UK steel safeguard measure and increase the standard rate of import duty to 50% across 20 categories of steel products, covering items including bright bar, wire and stainless steel. The instrument also removes preferential tariff rates previously agreed in trade deals or applied unilaterally, with one exception: preferential rates for Ukraine are maintained as part of the UK's stated commitment to supporting that country against Russia's invasion. Labour and Labour and Co-operative MPs voted unanimously in favour, joined by Plaid Cymru, the SDLP and one independent. Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, the DUP and two independents all voted against. There were no rebellions recorded on the government side. The Liberal Democrats' decision to vote against, rather than abstain, was notable given the party's general positioning on trade issues, and the DUP raised specific concerns about Northern Ireland's distinct legal position under EU single market rules.