On April 14, the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament (INTA) voted on the amendments to the EU’s conflict minerals regulation that were proposed by its members. The INTA committee adopted an amended report strengthening the system of due diligence for conflict minerals importers that was initially proposed.

The MEPs voted in favor of a mandatory system of certification for EU smelters and refiners. They rejected amendments seeking to extend this mandatory scheme to those who purchase minerals for the production of goods such as mobile phones and other electronics.

The draft regulation covers tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas. Amendments proposing the extension of the scope of the legislation to other minerals and metals were rejected by the INTA committee.

Furthermore, MEPs approved the establishment of a “European responsible importer” label for importers that comply with the regulation and “European certification of responsibility” for “downstream operators.”

The draft regulation adopted by the INTA committee still needs to be approved by the European Parliament as a whole. This vote will take place in the European Parliament’s plenary session in May.