Congo has imposed additional conditions on cobalt exporters, tightening oversight of a quota system introduced after lifting an export ban in October. A joint circular dated November 26 requires companies to pre-pay a ten percent royalty within forty-eight hours of filing origin and sales declarations and obtain new compliance documents, including a Quota Verification Certificate issued by the strategic minerals regulator. The rules apply immediately.

The measures add joint sampling, mandatory weighing, physical inspections and multi-agency certification to all shipments. Authorities have warned that non-compliance could lead to licence revocation. Exports remain paused as producers seek clarity on the new requirements.

Congo allocated 18,125 metric tons of quotas for the fourth quarter of 2025 and plans 96,600 tons annually from 2026, with CMOC and Glencore receiving the largest shares and ten percent held as a strategic reserve.

Industry sources say uncertainty persists over how the royalty payment will be calculated. Analysts expect continued volatility in cobalt markets, where prices have climbed to about 24 US dollars a pound from sixteen US dollars in August. Congo is also advancing broader mining reforms, including traceable artisanal cobalt and a marketing deal with Mercuria.