Sep 24, 2026 · 3 min · 3 segments
Battery included, compliance is not optional. Congress enters the enforcement game targeting DRC cobalt and containing products. Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more.
On September 18, the House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 10346, the Stop China's Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act.
The bill, introduced by Representative Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, now waits for the full House consideration.
Cobalt appears in batteries, aerospace applications, alloys, cemented carbide, magnets, medical devices, and other products.
Global demand is projected to rise more than 1000% for lithium and 600% for cobalt by 2040.
Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 bans imports made wholly or in part with forced labor.
This bill would direct the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force to investigate DRC cobalt supplies, identify priority products and sectors, and examine whether cobalt-linked goods are being transhipped or re-entering the U.S. market through downstream products.
Because the House has adjourned until after the November election, the bill will not move before the lame duck session.
I know we harp on companies telling them to map their supply chains from dirt to shirt, but you need to understand it's becoming critical.
Congress may be stuck in park for now, but forced labor enforcement is still in overdrive.
On September 18, the House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 10346, the Stop China's Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act.
The bill, introduced by Representative Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, now waits for the full House consideration.
Cobalt appears in batteries, aerospace applications, alloys, cemented carbide, magnets, medical devices, and other products.
Global demand is projected to rise more than 1000% for lithium and 600% for cobalt by 2040.
Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 bans imports made wholly or in part with forced labor.
This bill would direct the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force to investigate DRC cobalt supplies, identify priority products and sectors, and examine whether cobalt-linked goods are being transhipped or re-entering the U.S. market through downstream products.
Because the House has adjourned until after the November election, the bill will not move before the lame duck session.
I know we harp on companies telling them to map their supply chains from dirt to shirt, but you need to understand it's becoming critical.
Congress may be stuck in park for now, but forced labor enforcement is still in overdrive.
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