EU-Mercosur Trade Agreements: New Tariff Quotas from May 1, 2026

Key Takeaways

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/996 of April 29, 2026 amends 13 agricultural tariff quotas in line with the transitional trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Industry stakeholders will apply these measures as of May 1, 2026. Source: OJ L 2026/996 of 30/04/2026, EUR-Lex.

Main Points

• The regulation updates Implementing Regulations (EU) 2020/761 and (EU) 2020/1988 to incorporate the new agricultural quotas negotiated with Mercosur. Thirteen agricultural products are impacted (TRQ order: 09.4910 to 09.4975).
• 2026 quota quantities are prorated, reflecting provisional entry into force on May 1, 2026. The LORI registration requirement for certain quotas starts January 1, 2027. (arts. 15b, 18, 30 and 42 of Regulation 2020/761 as amended)
• Declarants must provide an official document issued by the Mercosur states, following the template set by Commission Notice 2026/874 (OJ L 2026/874 of 17/04/2026). The use of digitalisation via ELAN1L-TCDOC is applicable during the transitional period.

Background and Context

The Interim EU-Mercosur Agreement, signed on January 17, 2026 (Council Decision (EU) 2026/183), seeks to quickly address market access challenges for South American agricultural products, pending full ratification of the partnership agreement (EMPA). The amended regulations ensure quota management is based on a “first come, first served” approach (art. 2020/1988) or by license (art. 2020/761). Allocated 2026 volumes are calculated on a pro-rata basis for 8 months. Allocation/delegation management among Mercosur countries remains suspended in 2026 as no distribution has been notified. The Commission plans to regulate allocations for subsequent years (starting in 2027). References: Regulation (EU) 2026/996, OJ L 2026/996; Regulation (EU) 2020/761; Regulation (EU) 2020/1988.

Impact for Stakeholders

Industry professionals are adjusting import procedures for affected products: corn, sorghum, sugar, and other agri-food goods entering from Mercosur. Declarants must verify the presence of the Mercosur document with each customs declaration within the scope of a tariff quota. LORI registration will be mandatory from January 2027 for quotas 09.4920, 09.4925, 09.4960, and 09.4965. Importers benefit from reduced-duty quotas, but these are subject to volume limits and pro-rata allocation in 2026. Procedure managers must anticipate pro-rating modalities and possible reallocations starting in 2027. These changes should be monitored amid a competitive international landscape, with reinforced EU industrial policies counterbalancing Chinese competition (source: The Guardian, 27/04/2026; Skadden, 04/2026).

Next Steps

• Implementation from May 1, 2026
• Pro-rating of volumes for May–December 2026
• LORI registration obligation from January 1, 2027
• New regulation expected regarding allocation and reallocation management for 2027

From May 1, 2026, the sector will implement the new prorated EU-Mercosur mechanism for 13 agricultural quotas.

Source: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/996, OJ L 2026/996, 30/04/2026; Commission Notice 2026/874, OJ L 2026/874; Council Decision (EU) 2026/183, OJ L 2026/183. Further information: Reuters, 30/04/2026; The Guardian, 27/04/2026; Skadden, 04/2026.