When the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) took effect in June 2022, polysilicon was one of the formally prioritized sectors for enforcement. Because of China’s dominance of global polysilicon production and the critical role played by polysilicon in the production of photovoltaic cells, the solar industry has been particularly impacted by the UFLPA.

While most polysilicon is produced in China, enforcement of the UFLPA has primarily impacted suppliers in Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and – most recently – India. The global nature of solar supply chains increases the complexity of UFLPA due diligence for importers. 

In this webinar, experts from Kharon and Miller & Chevalier discuss the challenges faced by the solar industry and best practices for UFLPA compliance.

Mary Mikhaeel, Senior Associate, International Department Miller & Chevalier

Mary counsels clients across a wide range of industries, including automotive, apparel, and renewable energy, on mitigating their risks under U.S. anti-forced labor laws, developing compliance programs to address those risks, and responding to CBP detentions. She assists organizations with implementing modern slavery compliance programs, conducting human rights risk assessments, and counseling clients on supply chain compliance and due diligence laws, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and Withhold Release Orders (WROs). 

Ethan Woolley, Strategic Growth Executive, Kharon

Ethan Woolley is a Strategic Growth Executive at Kharon, where he supports the firm’s clients on UFLPA due diligence best practices. Ethan frequently works with organizations in the retail, apparel, automotive, manufacturing, chemical, and telecommunications industries, and regularly speaks at conferences and industry events on forced labor risk. Ethan received his BA in International Relations and Russian from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA in Energy Politics from the European University at St. Petersburg. Ethan speaks Russian and spent time living in Moscow.

Natalie Weidenbach, Account Executive, Kharon

Natalie Weidenbach is an Account Executive at Kharon, where she supports a wide range of companies in the energy, healthcare, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and logistics industries. Natalie received her BA in International Relations and Global Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and an MPA and MA in International Relations from Syracuse University.