COBALT Supply Chain Act
Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Ban Imports of Chinese-Refined Cobalt Linked to Child Labor
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by three different House committees. It is actively moving forward as it awaits further study and potential changes from these groups. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
While there is strong bipartisan concern about China and human rights, this bill could significantly disrupt the supply of electronics and electric vehicles, making it difficult to pass.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Small businesses that import electronics, batteries, or other products containing cobalt would face new compliance burdens. They would need to prove their goods do not contain Chinese-refined cobalt or risk having shipments blocked at the border, potentially raising costs and disrupting supply chains for smaller importers with limited resources to trace materials.
“shall prohibit the entry of such goods at any of the ports and the United States, and shall otherwise prohibit the importation of such goods, in accordance with section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930”
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
COBALT Supply Chain Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.