The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has detained solar panels from Maxeon Solar Technologies due to alleged non-compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).
This act prevents products made with forced labor, specifically involving Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang region, from entering the U.S. market. Although Maxeon asserts it has meticulously documented its supply chains, ensuring they avoid Xinjiang and even China for certain products, CBP claims there is insufficient documentation to confirm compliance with the UFLPA.
Maxeon disputes these claims, emphasizing its strong stance against forced labor and its history of supply chain transparency, including extensive documentation submitted to CBP. The company, which manufactures its products in Mexico and has no ties to any entities on the UFLPA list, argues CBP’s decision lacks evidence of actual non-compliance.
Maxeon’s CEO expressed frustration, citing the need for clean energy solutions and the financial harm caused by the detentions. The company is pursuing further review through CBP’s regulatory processes in hopes of lifting the detentions.