Zero Rate Applies to a Specific Commodity Code
The Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission decided on August 11, 2026, to introduce a zero import customs duty on titanium waste and scrap. According to the EEC, the temporary measure will remain in effect through August 31, 2028.
The exemption covers goods classified under EAEU CN FEA code 8108 30 000 0. Before the temporary measure takes effect, the standard import duty for this commodity category is 5% of its customs value.
The zero rate applies to titanium waste and scrap imported from outside the Eurasian Economic Union. It does not concern trade between EAEU member states, where import customs duties are not charged.
Titanium Scrap Reduces Production Costs
Titanium waste is used as a recyclable material in the production of ingots, slabs and other semi-finished products. Its inclusion in the manufacturing process can partially replace more expensive primary materials while returning accumulated metal waste to industrial use.
Vahagn Ghazaryan, Director of the EEC Tariff and Non-Tariff Customs Regulation Department, said titanium scrap could significantly reduce costs and accelerate the production of semi-finished products. Its use can also help manufacturers increase finished product output.
Lower customs costs are expected to make imported recyclable materials more accessible to metal producers in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. The EEC expects the measure to improve the competitiveness of titanium manufacturers across the Union.
Impact on Importers and Freight Operators
Once the decision takes effect, companies will be able to import qualifying titanium waste and scrap without paying the standard 5% duty. The change will reduce customs costs and may improve the economics of international raw material shipments by road, rail and sea.
However, the exemption does not automatically apply to every product or waste shipment containing titanium. To qualify, the cargo must meet the description and classification requirements of EAEU CN FEA code 8108 30 000 0.
Importers and customs representatives will need to verify the cargo’s composition, condition and classification. An incorrect commodity code could result in the zero rate being denied and additional customs payments becoming due.
Effective Date Depends on Official Publication
The decision will enter into force ten calendar days after its official publication. The August 11 meeting date is therefore not the date on which importers can begin applying the exemption.
Foreign trade participants should verify the document’s official publication date before declaring shipments. The existing import duty will continue to apply until the required ten-day period has expired.
The temporary zero rate will remain valid through August 31, 2028. This period gives manufacturers an opportunity to plan recyclable titanium purchases and arrange longer-term transportation and processing contracts.
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