ESIA calls for disengagement from state-sponsored forced labour regions

However, about one million citizens have been subjected to state-imposed forced labour initiatives such as vocational education and training centres and labour transfers within Xinjiang and across China, according to ESIA. Therefore, ESIA called for disengagement from regions with “significant risk of state-sponsored forced labour”, reducing dependency on non-European countries and revitalising European PV production to respect human rights, in addition to solar module supply sovereignty and technological leadership.

ESIA also welcomed the European Union’s decision to ban importing and exporting products made with forced labour.

Last October, the EU Internal Market and International Trade Committees adopted a draft regulation banning products with forced labour in their supply chains from entering the EU.

PV Tech also reported that the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) and Uyghur groups were also calling for shifting the burden of proof to tackle alleged Xinjiang forced labour in Europe’s solar supply.

Due diligence guide

In addition to its stance against forced labour, ESIA also offers several recommendations for solar companies to eliminate forced labour links in their supply chains.

For example, solar manufacturers and companies can implement a serial code system, accompanied by a comprehensive digital record, to establish traceability in the supply chain.

“These systems should offer a detailed level of information to verify that neither the company nor its suppliers have any exposure to regions associated with state-sponsored forced labour, on a global scale, regardless of whether the products are intended for the EU market,” said ESIA.

Solar manufacturers and companies can also implement a supplier code of conduct in line with international standards, ensuring adherence to practices that prohibit forced labour and abuse.

Moreover, solar manufacturers and companies can conduct supplier on-site audits focusing on high-risk suppliers, and follow social audit and material segregation protocols in regions without state-sponsored forced labour. If evidence of forced labour is found, solar manufacturers and companies should take immediate steps to disengage businesses involved in forced labour.

Supply chain audit law

However, more recently, EU member states blocked a proposed directive on 28 February, which required companies to audit their supply chains for forced labour or environmental damage.

In response to the decision, Jens Holm, sustainability policy director of ESMC, said: “Terribly bad news for all of us who want a more sustainable supply chain in the solar PV industry. Respect for human rights and the environment should be a no-brainer for all industries in the 21st century.”

“With stricter social and environmental sustainability requirements, the European solar PV industry would be strengthened and win market shares in the long run. I expect Germany and other sceptical countries [will] soon understand and embrace robust European legislation on sustainable due diligence,” Holm added.