Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act
Latest action (10 Sep 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
**Summary of H.R. 10346 — Stop China's Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act**
This bill directs federal agencies to investigate and develop strategies to prevent cobalt mined with forced labor—including child labor—in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from entering the U.S. market. Within 180 days of enactment, the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force, working with other federal agencies, would have to complete an investigation and report on enforcing existing law (Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930) against such imports, including strategies for supply-chain tracing, preventing entry through third countries, and blocking re-entry of previously denied goods. The report must identify DRC entities suspected of using forced labor, list downstream product categories for enforcement priority, and recommend tools for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to trace cobalt origins.
The bill primarily affects U.S. import enforcement agencies, companies sourcing cobalt (used in batteries for electronics and electric vehicles), and indirectly those working in or affected by DRC mining, where the bill cites reports of child and forced labor and significant Chinese ownership of cobalt mines. After the initial report, semiannual briefings to Congress would continue. The provisions would expire after eight years or sooner if the President certifies that forced labor in DRC mining has ended.
The bill was introduced on September 10, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. It has not yet received a committee vote or further action.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on September 10, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10346 do?
- **Summary of H.R. 10346 — Stop China's Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act** This bill directs federal agencies to investigate and develop strategies to prevent cobalt mined with forced labor—including child labor—in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from entering the U.S. market. Within 180 days of enactment, the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force, working with other federal agencies, would have to complete an investigation and report on enforcing existing law (Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930) against such imports, including strategies for supply-chain tracing, preventing entry through third countries, and blocking re-entry of previously denied goods. The report must identify DRC entities suspected of using forced labor, list downstream product categories for enforcement priority, and recommend tools for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to trace cobalt origins. The bill primarily affects U.S. import enforcement agencies, companies sourcing cobalt (used in batteries for electronics and electric vehicles), and indirectly those working in or affected by DRC mining, where the bill cites reports of child and forced labor and significant Chinese ownership of cobalt mines. After the initial report, semiannual briefings to Congress would continue. The provisions would expire after eight years or sooner if the President certifies that forced labor in DRC mining has ended. The bill was introduced on September 10, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. It has not yet received a committee vote or further action.
- Has H.R. 10346 become law?
- Not yet. As of 10 Sep 2026, H.R. 10346 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10346?
- H.R. 10346 was sponsored by Rep. Christopher “Chris” Smith [R-NJ4] (Republican-NJ), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10346?
- Introduced (10 Sep 2026).
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