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EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (CMR)

Regulation 2017/821 imposing due diligence obligations on EU importers of tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold (3TG) from conflict-affected and high-risk areas, ensuring responsible sourcing and preventing human rights abuses in mineral supply chains.

What You Need to Know

Date of Adoption:
17-May-17

Key takeaways:

  • The regulation applies to EU-based importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, whether these are in the form of mineral ores, concentrates or processed metals, with indirect impact on global smelters and refiners
  • The CMR does not apply to recycled products, but it does apply to products that are by-products.
  • Aligned with OECD Due Diligence Guidance
  • Around 600-1,000 EU importers and ~500 global smelters/refiners affected
  • EU provides an indicative list of conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs) to guide risk assessments. You can access it here.
  • To help companies, the European Commission will create a so-called "white list" of global smelters and refiners which source responsibly.

Issued by

European Union

Reviewed on August 22, 2025 by

Isadora Costa

EIT RawMaterials
Senior Project Officer Responsible Sourcing at EIT RawMaterials

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