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

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.