Conflict Minerals Regulation

In politically unstable areas, armed groups often use forced labour to mine minerals. They then sell those minerals to fund their activities, for example to buy weapons. 

These so-called 'conflict minerals', such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, can find their way into our mobile phones, cars and jewellery.

An EU law to stem the trade in conflict minerals

The EU passed a new regulation in May 2017 to stop:

• conflict minerals and metals from being exported to the EU;
• global and EU smelters and refiners from using conflict minerals, and;
• mine workers from being abused.

The law also supports the development of local communities.

It requires EU companies to ensure they import these minerals and metals from responsible sources only.  

The requirements began to apply on 1 January 2021.

Transparency platform for companies

As part of the EU policy on responsible sourcing of minerals, the Commission runs a voluntary platform - ReMIS Responsible Minerals Information System (ReMIS) - to increase transparency in mineral supply chains. Economic operators may register on the platform and publish their due diligence policies and broader efforts to ensure responsible supply chains of metals and minerals.  

Recognition of supply chain due diligence schemes

Under Article 8 of the Regulation (EU(2017)821), due diligence scheme owners may apply to the Commission to have their due diligence supply schemes recognised. 

If the scheme is considered admissible, the Commission assesses it in terms of substance. The procedure is detailed in Delegated Regulation (EU(2019)429) and is based on the methodology developed by the OECD to assess due diligence schemes for minerals.

The Commission publishes updates on the state of play of its assessments of due diligence schemes. 

• Ongoing and concluded assessments 

Register of recognised supply chain due diligence schemes

Under Article 8(8) of Regulation (EU(2017)821), the Commission shall establish and keep up-to-date a register of recognised supply chain due diligence schemes. 

On 16 October 2025, the Commission adopted an Implementing Decision (EU(2025)2071) recognising the equivalence of the 'Responsible Minerals Assurance Process', a supply chain due diligence scheme owned by the Responsible Minerals Initiative. 

More information

• Frequently asked questions on the recognition of schemes
• Staff Working Document (SWD(2025)297) on the Commission's assessment of the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process