On 16 March 2017, Members of European Parliament have voted by a large majority to adopt the EU Regulation on conflict minerals.

The Regulation brokered by the Commission and voted today by the European Parliament (approved by 558 votes to 17 with 45 abstentions at a Strasbourg plenary) will impose due diligence rules on companies importing tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold. Such metals and minerals are used in the production of everyday products such as mobile phones, car and jewelry. The rules will cover up to 95% of imports as of 1 January 2021. In the meantime, the Commission and Member States will work to make sure that the necessary structures are in place to ensure EU-wide implementation.

Together with the new rules, the EU will be putting in place accompanying measures to support small and medium-sized importers, and development aid to ensure the Regulation is effective and has a positive impact on the ground. The EU has also been reaching out to governments in Africa, Asia and beyond to encourage them to source responsibly and eliminate alternative markets for conflict minerals.

To become effective, the Regulation still has to be formally adopted by the Council. It will then be published in the EU Official Journal.

For more information, pls refer to: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-622_en.htm

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