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. (16) 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. (17) On December 13, 2022, the Governments of the United States, DRC, and Zambia signed a memorandum of understanding with regard to United States support for the DRC and Zambia to develop jointly a supply chain for electric vehicle batteries, from the mine to the assembly line, while also committing to respect international standards to prevent, detect and take legal action to fight corruption throughout this process . 3. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States— (1) to prohibit the importation of covered DRC goods