SSI Clears JA Solar in UFLPA Forced Labor Investigation

JA Solar has issued a release to announce the results of the Solar Stewardship Initiative’s (SSI) independent investigation into its supply chain practices. The release says that SSI has confirmed the company's adherence to responsible sourcing principles. The investigation, conducted from January 16-24, 2025, followed a temporary suspension of JA Solar's SSI membership in January 2025 after the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added Donghai JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd. (JA Solar Donghai) to the UFLPA Entity List.

The DHS had previously alleged that Donghai JA Solar sources polysilicon from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), and adding it to the UFLPA list as a result (see US Expands UFLPA Entity List By 37, Including JA Solar Subsidiary).

The key findings:

• The SSI investigation found no evidence of any violation of its responsible sourcing principles by JA Solar

• SSI confirmed that JA Solar Donghai ceased production in 2018, with no manufacturing or material processing activity occurring since then

• SSI noted the DHS provided no evidence to support allegations of JA Solar violating responsible sourcing principles

Aiqing Yang, Executive President of JA Solar, stated, "At JA Solar, we have always been committed to maintaining a responsible and transparent supply chain. The conclusion of SSI’s review reaffirms our dedication to ethical sourcing and regulatory compliance. We will continue to work with industry partners to uphold the highest standards in supply chain traceability and responsible procurement.”

The company said that the reinstatement of its SSI membership underscores its compliance with responsible sourcing requirements, providing assurance to JA Solar's customers, investors, and industry partners.