China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is calling for strengthened legal regulations regarding the recycling of retired power batteries from new energy vehicles (NEVs). The tightening is necessary as the industry has now entered a phase where the mass retirement of these batteries is expected. The authorities aim to establish a comprehensive recycling system and eliminate illegal practices.
Mass Retirement: Over One Million Tonnes Annually by 2030
Based on official forecasts and ministry estimates, the annual volume of retired power batteries will exceed 1 million tonnes by 2030. Such an explosive growth in volume highlights the urgent need to accelerate the establishment of a sound and stable battery recycling system as soon as possible.
Zero Tolerance for Illegal Activities
At a Thursday (May 28) meeting specifically focused on NEV battery recycling, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology demanded the strict investigation and punishment of illegal activities. The intensified crackdown targets the following illegal practices within the industry:
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Unauthorized disposal of retired batteries.
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Production of substandard, non-compliant products using retired batteries.
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Failure to fulfill information tracing responsibilities and corporate obligations.
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Illegal dismantling processes causing environmental pollution.
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Unlicensed corporate operations.
Digital Technologies and Industry Collaboration
To enforce regulations and ensure process transparency, the ministry announced that digital technologies will be used to better monitor the flow of batteries. This will ensure that enterprises participating along the industrial chain fully fulfill their responsibilities.
Furthermore, the ministry urged deeper, strategic-level collaboration among industry associations, key companies, and research institutions. The joint effort aims to accelerate the development and application of advanced technologies and equipment, explore new business models, and build a solid foundation for the high-quality development of the industry.
References and Official Government Sources:
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Original Source: Xinhua News Agency – China seeks to step up regulation of NEV battery recycling
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Official Government Website: The official website of the regulatory body, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), where industry regulations and announcements are published: www.miit.gov.cn