EU changes fertiliser import conditions: tariff quotas opened and duties increased on Russian and Belarusian products
The conditions governing fertiliser imports into the European Union changed in 2026. To reduce dependency on Russia and Belarus and facilitate supply diversification, the EU introduced two connected measures: temporary duty-free tariff quotas for certain products from other third countries and higher duties on selected Russian and Belarusian fertilisers.
Temporary tariff quotas
Under Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1181, the EU temporarily suspended Common Customs Tariff duties for specified volumes of ammonia, urea and other nitrogen and compound fertilisers.
The measure applies from 30 May 2026 until 31 May 2027. Products originating in or exported from Russia or Belarus are excluded.
| CN codes | EU tariff quota | Order number |
|---|---|---|
| 2814 10 00, 2814 20 00 | 300,000 t | 09.0172 |
| 3102 10 12, 3102 10 15, 3102 10 19, 3102 10 90 | 890,000 t | 09.0173 |
| 3102 21 00 | 413,000 t | 09.0174 |
| 3102 60 00 | 27,000 t | 09.0175 |
| 3102 80 00 | 583,000 t | 09.0176 |
| 3105 20 10, 3105 20 90 | 360,000 t | 09.0177 |
| 3105 30 00 | 87,000 t | 09.0178 |
| 3105 40 00 | 83,000 t | 09.0179 |
The quotas are managed at EU level according to the chronological order in which customs declarations are accepted. Importers should therefore not assume that preferential treatment is guaranteed. The remaining quota balance should be checked before import, and the appropriate quota must be requested in the customs declaration.
Balances can be monitored through the European Commission’s QUOTA database. The tariff suspensions do not remove any applicable anti-dumping or other trade-defence duties.
Higher duties on Russian and Belarusian fertilisers
On 1 July 2026, the second stage of the progressive tariff increases introduced by Regulation (EU) 2025/1227 began.
The following duties apply until 30 June 2027:
- products under CN heading 3102 – 6.5% plus EUR 60 per tonne;
- products under CN codes 3105 20, 3105 30, 3105 40, 3105 51, 3105 59 and 3105 90 – 6.5% plus EUR 70 per tonne.
The duties apply to products originating in or exported directly or indirectly from Russia or Belarus.
A cumulative import threshold of 1.8 million tonnes applies from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. If it is reached, the Commission must introduce substantially higher duties for the remaining imports in that period: 6.5% plus EUR 315 per tonne for CN 3102 products and 6.5% plus EUR 430 per tonne for the specified CN 3105 products.
These measures do not constitute a complete import prohibition. Nevertheless, each transaction must be checked against applicable sanctions, customs duties, origin requirements and any additional trade-policy measures.
What does this mean for Lithuanian importers?
The measures may improve the competitiveness of supplies from alternative third countries. Their actual value will depend on the CN code, origin and remaining quota balance when the customs declaration is accepted.
Importers should:
- review the CN and TARIC codes used for fertilisers and feedstocks;
- evaluate alternative suppliers outside Russia and Belarus;
- avoid assuming in contracts that quota access will be available;
- check the relevant quota balance before submitting a customs declaration;
- enter the correct order number in the declaration;
- strengthen origin and supply-chain due diligence;
- assess CBAM obligations separately, as tariff relief does not provide an exemption from CBAM;
- monitor whether the 1.8 million tonne threshold for Russian and Belarusian fertiliser imports is approaching exhaustion.
According to the Council of the EU, the temporary tariff suspension could save EU farmers and the fertiliser industry approximately EUR 60 million in import duties. The effect on an individual company will depend on quota use, transport costs, contractual terms and product origin.
Further information
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1181 on tariff quotas
Regulation (EU) 2025/1227 on duties for Russian and Belarusian goods
