The Department of Labor has just released its 2022 edition of goods produced by child or forced labor. In this edition, the DOL has added 32 products – and removed one (cotton from Uzbekistan) – to its list of goods believed to be produced by child and/or forced labor in violation of international standards.
The list which is updated every two years, contains 158 goods sourced from 77 countries and 10 goods produced with inputs made through the use of child or forced labor.
The full report, further raises awareness of the use of child and/or forced labor in the production of clean energy products, including electric cars, solar panels, wind turbines, and biofuels. The report goes on to say, “Clean energy is a central pillar of the Biden-Harris Administration’s policy goals. Yet, that clean energy future cannot—and will not—be built on the backs of forced laborers.”
Additions to the List
| Source Country | Goods | Exploitation Type |
| Bangladesh | Garments | Forced Labor |
| Brazil | Acai Berries | Child Labor |
| Cameroon | Gold | Child Labor |
| Ecuador | Bovines, Hogs, Poultry, Rice | Child Labor |
| Ghana | Bovines, Textiles, Rice | Forced Labor |
| India | Tea, Thread, Yarn | Forced Labor |
| Indonesia | Palm Oil Products | Child Labor and Forced Labor |
| Kenya | Cattle | Child Labor |
| Pakistan | Baked Goods, Bovines, Dairy Products, Rice, Electronics, Furniture, Garments, Textiles | Child Labor |
| Zimbabwe | Gold | Child Labor |
Downstream Goods
| Source Country | Input Good | Downstream Country | Downstream Goods | Exploitation Type | Downstream Goods at Risk |
| China | Polysilicon | China | Photovoltaic Ingots, Photovoltaic Wafers, Solar Cells, Solar Modules | Forced Labor | Silica-Based Products, Solar Products, Semiconductors |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | Cobalt Ore | China | Lithium-Ion Batteries | Child Labor | Electric Cars, Laptops, Cell Phones, Vacuums, Turbine Blades, Medical Implants |
| Indonesia | Palm Fruit | Indonesia | Crude Palm Oil, Crude Palm Kernel Oil, Refined Palm Oil, Refined Palm Kernel Oil, Oleochemicals | Child and Forced Labor | Cooking Oils, Animal Feed, Baked Goods, Beverages, Household and Industrial Products, Personal Care and Cosmetic Products, Infant Formula, Biofuels |
