European Commission Forced Labour Ban

SolarPower Europe welcomes the European Commission’s proposal on an EU market ban for products made using forced labour. The draft legislation marks an important milestone for sectors across the economy and represents real value for the functioning of the internal market. As a sector currently dependent on non-EU supplies, the solar industry is a highly conscious about the importance of responsible supply chains. Further to this, we welcome President von der Leyen’s State of the Union pledge to introduce a European Critical Raw Materials Act, underpinned by a new European Sovereignty Fund. This new Act should support the diversification and development of responsible solar supply chains, ensuring European competitiveness within a global market. 

SolarPower Europe is deeply aligned with the European Commission’s goal to tackle the issue of forced labour. Reflecting our February 2021 statement, SolarPower Europe continues to unequivocally condemn forced labour, and any abuse of human rights. Following the European Commission’s publication of an EU market ban on forced labour products, we will take time to analyse the proposals before promptly sharing our detailed feedback with the European Commission. 

The solar sector is unwavering in its commitment to reinforce responsible, transparent, and sustainable supply chains. SolarPower Europe co-ordinates a dedicated workstream of industry representatives to address sustainability issues. As a sector leader, SolarPower Europe published the Solar Sustainability Best Practices Benchmark, with a bespoke chapter setting out real-world case studies that champion sustainable solar supply chains. Many SolarPower Europe members have already implemented existing environmental and human rights due diligence processes, as well as Environmental, Sustainable, and Governance (ESG) certification options.*

SolarPower Europe, in partnership with Solar Energy UK, have been developing a solar-specific supply chain sustainability assurance programme since early 2021. This initiative puts into action the solar sector’s strong belief that industry-driven requirements can bring about real change. Based on internationally recognised standards and guidelines**, the initiative seeks to ensure that solar products entering the European value chain align with responsible ESG practices. We will communicate in more detail on this initiative in Autumn 2022. 

Current legislative proposals, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), outline the potential for recognition of industry-led ESG assurance programmes – such as the one under development by SolarPower Europe and Solar Energy UK. As the CSDDD and Forced Labour ban legislative proposals evolve, the sector will continue to work closely with the European Commission and other relevant stakeholders in our common goal of ensuring high ESG performance across the solar sector.

*ESG certification options currently implemented in the solar sector include, but are not limited to:

• NSF/ANSI 457-2019 Sustainability Leadership Standards for PV modules and inverters 
• Responsible Business Alliance Code of Conduct
• SA8000 social standard 
• Together for Sustainability
• ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management systems
• ISO 14044:2006 Life cycle assessment

**Internationally recognised frameworks and standards including, but not limited to; 

• The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)
• United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)
• OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct
• International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions
• OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas
• WRI/WBCSD Greenhouse Gas Protocol