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Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act

USA119th CongressHR-10346| House 
| Updated: 9/10/2026
Christopher H. Smith

Christopher H. Smith

Republican Representative

New Jersey

Ways and Means Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill aims to prevent goods containing cobalt mined or processed with child or forced labor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from entering the United States market. It acknowledges that cobalt is crucial for lithium-ion batteries in various electronics and electric vehicles, with the DRC supplying a significant portion of the world's cobalt, much of which is linked to Chinese-owned mines. The legislation highlights serious concerns regarding forced labor , including child labor, in the DRC's artisanal mining sector, often perpetrated by militias. To address these issues, the bill mandates the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) to conduct an investigation within 180 days of enactment. This investigation must produce a comprehensive strategy to enforce Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which prohibits the import of goods made with forced labor. The strategy will focus on tracing the origin of cobalt, ensuring supply chain transparency, and preventing the entry of forced-labor cobalt directly or through third countries. Key components of the required investigation include identifying entities in the DRC that use forced labor and listing downstream products containing DRC cobalt as enforcement priorities. It also calls for recommendations to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection accurately identify and trace such cobalt. The FLETF must regularly update Congress on its strategy, enforcement actions, and coordinate with non-governmental organizations and private sector entities. This section of the Act will sunset after eight years or once the President determines that forced labor in the DRC mining industry has ceased.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-7981
Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act
Sep 10, 2026
Introduced in House
Sep 10, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-7981
    Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act


  • September 10, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • September 10, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act

USA119th CongressHR-10346| House 
| Updated: 9/10/2026
This bill aims to prevent goods containing cobalt mined or processed with child or forced labor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from entering the United States market. It acknowledges that cobalt is crucial for lithium-ion batteries in various electronics and electric vehicles, with the DRC supplying a significant portion of the world's cobalt, much of which is linked to Chinese-owned mines. The legislation highlights serious concerns regarding forced labor , including child labor, in the DRC's artisanal mining sector, often perpetrated by militias. To address these issues, the bill mandates the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) to conduct an investigation within 180 days of enactment. This investigation must produce a comprehensive strategy to enforce Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which prohibits the import of goods made with forced labor. The strategy will focus on tracing the origin of cobalt, ensuring supply chain transparency, and preventing the entry of forced-labor cobalt directly or through third countries. Key components of the required investigation include identifying entities in the DRC that use forced labor and listing downstream products containing DRC cobalt as enforcement priorities. It also calls for recommendations to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection accurately identify and trace such cobalt. The FLETF must regularly update Congress on its strategy, enforcement actions, and coordinate with non-governmental organizations and private sector entities. This section of the Act will sunset after eight years or once the President determines that forced labor in the DRC mining industry has ceased.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-7981
Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act
Sep 10, 2026
Introduced in House
Sep 10, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-7981
    Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act


  • September 10, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • September 10, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Christopher H. Smith

Christopher H. Smith

Republican Representative

New Jersey

Ways and Means Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted