Stricter tariffs on agricultural imports from Russia and Belarus

The European Union, with Regulation (EU) 2025/1227 of 17 June 2025, has made far-reaching changes to import duties on fertilizers and agricultural goods from Russia and Belarus. Russian and Belarusian products can no longer be imported under tariff quotas; Duties on these goods will be increased significantly. Duties on fertilizers will be gradually introduced. Background: These measures are being taken in the context of the continuing tense geopolitical situation. They are part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the EU's dependence on Russian and Belarusian imports in the agricultural sector and thus increase the Union's long-term security of supply. At the same time, the EU agricultural sector, particularly in the area of fertilizers, is to be protected from overly sudden tariff increases, which is why a special gradual increase in duties on fertilizers applies until 2028.

Abolition of tariff quotas and tariff increases for agricultural products

Previously, goods subject to customs duties could be imported in limited quantities at a lower tariff rate (tariff quotas). The abolition of these tariff quotas for certain goods originating in Russia and Belarus is a key element of Regulation 2025/1227. This includes all goods listed in the Regulation according to the EU's Combined Nomenclature ("CN"). The measure affects products such as rice (CN 1006), oats (CN 1004), dairy products (CN 04), and meat (CN 02), as well as preparations for animal feed (CN 2309 ff). In addition to the elimination of tariff quotas, additional tariffs of 50% will be introduced on all affected goods. This applies regardless of whether and at what level tariffs already exist. The elimination of tariff quotas and the 50% increase in tariffs will apply from July 20, 2025. The regulation also provides for a special, staggered tariff increase for fertilizers. This affects mineral or chemical nitrogen fertilizers (CN 3102) and certain combined fertilizers (from CN codes 3105 ff.). The following phased increase is planned, with the ad valorem duty rate remaining constant while the flat rate per ton increases annually: From July 1, 2025: Nitrogen fertilizers: 6.5% ad valorem duty + €40/ton; Combined fertilizers: 6.5% ad valorem duty + €45/ton; From 1 July 2026: Nitrogen fertilizers: additional €60/ton; Combined fertilizers: additional €70/ton; From 1 July 2027: Nitrogen fertilizers: additional €80/ton Combined fertilizers: additional +€95/ton

From 1 July 2028

• Nitrogen fertilizers: additional +€315/ton
• Combined fertilizers: additional +€430/ton

In addition, if a certain import volume is exceeded in any year (e.g., 2.7 million tonnes of fertilizer in the period July 2025 – June 2026), the highest flat rate per ton will immediately apply.

The Commission reserves the right to suspend tariffs on fertilizers should it observe a significant price increase compared to the 2024 price level. What companies should do now: Companies that import agricultural products or fertilizers of any kind from Russia or Belarus should urgently check whether they are affected and, if so, calculate the costs they may incur. We are happy to advise you on the specific impact on your product groups and on strategic considerations regarding the import of affected products.