Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (16 Sep 2026): Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 32 - 8.
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
Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act
This bill requires the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force to complete and submit to Congress the results of an investigation into the alleged use of forced labor in the cobalt mining industry of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Specifically, the task force must (1) submit to Congress strategies for preventing the importation of cobalt mined using forced labor, and (2) provide semiannual briefings to Congress.
This requirement ceases to have effect on the earlier of (1) eight years after the date of enactment, or (2) the date on which the President submits to Congress a determination that forced labor in the DRC mining industry has ended.
Timeline
16 Sep 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 32 - 8.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10346. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10346?
- H.R. 10346 was sponsored by Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] (R-NJ), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10346?
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 32 - 8. (16 Sep 2026).
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