Specifications for the Comprehensive Utilisation of Waste EV Batteries 2024

This draft document was released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on August 14, 2024, for public consultation. The primary aim of this regulation is to provide a better environment for the comprehensive utilization of used EV power batteries, with a focus on improving repurposing and recycling practices.  This updated regulation demonstrates China's commitment to improving the management and utilization of waste EV batteries. It introduces more stringent requirements for repurposing and recycling processes, emphasizes safety and environmental considerations, and aims to enhance the overall quality and traceability of recycled and repurposed battery products. These changes are likely to have significant implications for the recycling and management of critical minerals used in EV batteries in China. 

As of August 2024, this is a draft regulation open for public comment.

Key Provisions and Changes:

1. Definitions and General Principles: 
   • Refined definitions for "Repurposing" and "Recycling Utilization" compared to the 2019 version.
2. Enterprise Positioning and Project Location (New in 2024): 
   • Enterprises should be located in development zones, industrial parks, or industrial areas.
   • Non-compliant operational or under-construction enterprises must relocate within 2 years.
3. Comprehensive Utilization Capacity: 
   • Land use requirements updated (10-year minimum lease term instead of 15).
   • Enhanced traceability requirements, including data upload to the National EV Monitoring and Management Platform.
4. New Safety and Infrastructure Requirements (2024): 
   • Dedicated storage areas with safety features like infrared thermal imaging and smoke alarms.
   • Energy-saving assessments and consumption monitoring systems.
   • Minimum 3% of revenue to be spent on R&D and process improvement annually.
5. Repurposing Enterprise Requirements: 
   • Enhanced technical capabilities for automated reassembly and quality testing.
   • Stricter source verification for waste batteries.
   • New coding and labeling requirements for repurposed products.
   • Minimum 60% annual repurposing volume of recovered battery weight.
   • Warranty and after-sales service requirements.
   • Establishment of online monitoring platforms for repurposed products.
6. Recycling Enterprise Requirements (New in 2024): 
   • Specific equipment requirements for safe disassembly and processing.
   • Capability to process lithium-ion batteries from electric bicycles.
   • Detailed recovery rate requirements for various materials (e.g., 98% for copper and aluminium, 90% for lithium).
7. Product Quality (New in 2024): 
   • Compliance with relevant laws and standards for repurposed products.
   • Prohibition of repurposed batteries in electric bicycles.
   • Certification requirements for recycled products.
8. Safety and Occupational Health (New in 2024): 
   • Compliance with specific workplace safety and health standards.
9. Supervision and Management: 
   • New chapter added, based on 2019 interim measures.

Want to know more about this policy ? Learn more (Chinese)