DRC’s ARECOMS Announces New Cobalt Export Quota Regulations for 2025
ARECOMS Sets New Rules for Cobalt Export Quotas in the DRC
The Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances Markets (ARECOMS) has announced a new set of regulatory measures governing the allocation and management of cobalt export quotas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to a press release issued by the regulator, the decision — No. 005/ARECOMS/2025, dated October 10, 2025 — defines the conditions for obtaining, distributing, and executing export quotas for cobalt, one of the country’s most critical mineral resources.
These measures build upon Decision No. 004/ARECOMS/2025 of September 20, 2025, which introduced the framework for a quota-based export system for strategic minerals, particularly cobalt.
The latest decision clarifies the implementation procedures and distribution criteria for these quotas.
“ARECOMS organizes, in compliance with the laws and regulations in force, the allocation of cobalt export quotas in accordance with the established principles governing the regulation and control of strategic mineral markets,” the statement said.
Quota Distribution and Quantities
Under the new system, the basic quota for cobalt exports will be calculated based on the equivalent quantity of contained cobalt metal. The set volumes for the final quarter of 2025 are:
October 2025: 3,625 tonnes
November 2025: 7,250 tonnes
December 2025: 7,250 tonnes
The quotas will be distributed proportionally to historical export volumes recorded between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, in line with Article 6 of Decision No. 004/ARECOMS/2025.
Exclusions and Eligibility Criteria
ARECOMS also specified several eligibility restrictions. Excluded from the basic quota are:
Companies that exported less than 100 tonnes of cobalt in 2024, except for the General Cobalt Company;
Companies that own a cobalt refinery but have not operated their own mine in the past five years;
Companies whose cobalt mineral reserves have been depleted.
These measures are intended to ensure that export rights are granted to active and compliant producers, reinforcing the DRC’s efforts to maintain transparency, sustainability, and regulatory oversight in the cobalt supply chain.
Context and Implications
The DRC supplies more than 70% of the world’s cobalt, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies.
The introduction of a structured quota system marks a significant step in the country’s attempt to balance market stability with responsible production and export control.
Industry analysts say the new framework could help the DRC optimize export monitoring, prevent market distortions, and strengthen state revenues through better regulation of strategic mineral flows.
