Recording of Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | The smarter E Europe 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 25:10 .

U.S. Enforces Strict Transparency and Traceability Laws to Combat Forced Labor in Supply Chains, Focusing on Xinjiang Region

The United States has had longstanding laws prohibiting the importation of goods made with forced labor, dating back to the late 1800s. This framework was bolstered two years ago by the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), focusing specifically on products from China's Xinjiang region due to concerns about forced labor involving Uyghurs and other populations. Under this act, any goods touching Xinjiang or containing inputs from there are presumed tainted unless proven otherwise through detailed documentation provided by importers. Customs authorities closely scrutinize high-risk items like polysilicon used in solar modules, leading to prolonged detentions and significant costs for companies whose imports are held up. To comply, many manufacturers have shifted their sourcing away from Xinjiang. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is developing traceability standards certified by ANSI to help ensure compliance with U.S. customs requirements. They’ve engaged a committee of stakeholders across various sectors and are working towards finalizing these standards for public comment later this summer while seeking ongoing government input.

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Speakers

Özer Ergül
Group Head of Procurement CPO
Aquila Capital
The Netherlands

Stacy Ettinger
Senior Vice President of Supply Chain & Trade
Solar Energy Industries Association
United States

Talk of session: Solar & Sustainability: All About ESG Considerations & Transparency along the Solar Supply Chain

As investors focus more on ESG criteria in the solar supply chain, the industry aims to enhance transparency, traceability, and reduce carbon footprint. This comes at a time of significant legislative change in Europe, with market access rules and the promotion of improved sustainability practices on the horizon.

This session will discuss:

• How ESG considerations are impacting developers' procurement decisions
• How solar manufacturers along the solar supply chain are addressing ESG concerns
• Legislative requirements and industry efforts to increase transparency and sustainability performance
• Processes for certifying solar products with low embodied carbon

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Dr. Guido Agostinelli
Solar Sector Head
IFC - International Finance Corporation
USA

To Talk

Transparency for a Sustainable Supply Chain

Speaker

Laurene Gusse
Deputy Head of Quality & Procurement
ENGIE Renewables

To Talk

The Road Towards 100% Renewable Powered PV Manufacturing

Speaker

Lin Sun
Head of Sustainability Development
JinkoSolar
China

To Talk

Providing Transparency Along the Value Chain in the Context of Forced Labor and CSDDD EU Regulations

Speaker

Alexia Ruvoletto
Head of Secretariat
The Solar Stewardship Initiative
Belgium

To Talk

European Regulatory Framework for Sustainable Solar: An Update on Ecolabeling and Eco-Design of Photovoltaic Modules

Speaker

Dr. Giorgio Bardizza
Global Manager Solar PV
TÜV Rheinland
Germany

To Talk