that In the [DRC,] artisanal and small-scale mining of cobalt has been associated with forced child labor and other abuses , noting further that Since 2015, the TIP Report narratives on the DRC have highlighted forced labor of children in artisanal cobalt mines. . The DRC is on the Tier 2 Watch List, and will be automatically downgraded to Tier 3, subjecting it to sanctions, if it does not substantively and consistently improve its record on trafficking. (9) Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 ( 19 U.S.C. 1307 ) states that it is illegal to import into the United States goods, wares, articles, and merchandise mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part by forced labor, including forced or indentured child labor. Such merchandise is subject to exclusion or seizure and may lead to criminal investigation of the importer. 3. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States to— (1) ensure that the PRC does not undermine the effective enforcement of section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 ( 19 U.S.C. 1307 )