On 22 May 2026, the Council of the EU has approved a one‑year suspension of 5.5–6.5% customs duties on certain nitrogen‑based fertilisers, including fertiliser inputs. The measure aims to ease cost pressures on farmers and reduce reliance on Russian and Belarusian imports. The proposal for the suspension can be found here.
The measure is intended to reduce cost pressures on EU farmers and the fertiliser industry at a time when fertiliser prices have increased significantly since 2021. According to the European Commission, the suspension is expected to generate savings of approximately €60 million in import duties. It also supports the EU’s objective of reducing dependency on Russia and Belarus for fertiliser supplies and of strengthening more diversified and resilient trading networks.
The suspension will apply only to nitrogen-based fertilisers that are not already imported duty‑free under preferential arrangements. To balance the interests of EU producers, the measure is subject to a quantitative limit equal to the volume of most‑favoured‑nation imports in 2024, plus 20% of the volumes imported from Russia and Belarus in the same year. The suspension will not apply to products originating in Russia or Belarus. The suspension will enter into force the day after its publication in the EU’s Official Journal and will apply for a period of one year.
The Commission will monitor market developments during the application period and may propose an extension or modification of the measure if necessary. Importers should assess whether their products fall within the scope of the suspension and applicable quota limits.
