As of April 7, Italian custom authorities have introduced radiometric controls for semi-finished metal (including steel) imports from non-EU countries. Such controls were previously applied only to ferrous and non-ferrous scrap.
The new measure is causing pandemonium within the metals market in Italy, since the volume of materials to be checked has increased from 2.7 million mt to 30 million mt per year and the Italian ports are not adequately equipped to carry out such a demanding task. The result is huge congestion of materials at Italian ports as well as higher costs incurred by importers. This issue may have a negative impact on the already troubled Italian steel sector.