China Introduces Power Battery Recycling Safety Requirements for Disassembly and Fragmentation

On May 26, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a draft document titled Safety Requirements for Disassembly and Fragmentation of Power Batteries for public consultation. Stakeholders can submit feedback on the proposed requirements until July 25. The draft aims to strengthen safety management across the battery recycling value chain as the country's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market continues to expand and increasing volumes of end-of-life power batteries enter recycling streams.

The rapid growth of the NEV sector has resulted in a steady rise in installed power battery capacity and a corresponding increase in retired batteries requiring treatment. Battery recycling activities such as dismantling, discharging, fragmentation, pyrolysis, sorting, and exhaust gas treatment involve several operational hazards. These include residual electrical energy, electrolyte leakage, release of flammable or hazardous gases, and dust accumulation that may trigger fire or explosion incidents. Such risks can lead to electric shocks, short circuits, fires, explosions, poisoning incidents, and environmental contamination, affecting both personnel safety and industrial sustainability.

Although industry standards already exist for recycling and dismantling power batteries, mandatory national regulations covering complete safety management throughout dismantling and fragmentation processes remain limited. The newly proposed requirements are intended to address this gap by establishing unified safety controls across critical operational stages of battery recycling.

The draft requirements define safety expectations for dismantling, discharging, fragmentation, pyrolysis, sorting, and exhaust gas treatment processes. By introducing standardized operational practices, the framework is expected to improve production management, reduce safety incidents, and support the healthy development of the power battery recycling industry.

Key Safety Requirements for Power Battery Recycling Operations

The proposed framework establishes requirements covering facilities, equipment, personnel qualifications, dismantling procedures, and fragmentation operations to improve safety performance throughout the recycling process.

• Work sites must be equipped with protective clothing, emergency rescue tools, equipment, and supplies that remain functional and easily accessible.
• Personnel involved in dismantling and fragmentation activities must use specialized fixtures and protective equipment, including insulating gloves, anti-mechanical injury gloves, insulating footwear, and face shields.
• All operational equipment must incorporate automatic control systems with fault warning capabilities and emergency stop functions.
• Bare-handed operations during dismantling and fragmentation are prohibited.
• Dismantling and fragmentation activities cannot be performed in open-air environments.
• Open flames and activities capable of generating fire sources are not permitted within operational areas.
• Safety supervisors and responsible personnel at recycling enterprises must possess appropriate knowledge and management capabilities and obtain qualification certificates through approved training institutions.

Battery Discharge and Fragmentation Requirements

The draft places particular emphasis on discharge and fragmentation stages due to their elevated safety risks. According to the proposed requirements, battery packs must be completely discharged before dismantling begins. In addition, discharge activities must be carried out by a minimum of two operators to enhance operational oversight and reduce accident risks.

For fragmentation operations, the draft requires the use of enclosed automated equipment capable of integrating crushing, pyrolysis, sorting, and negative-pressure gas collection functions. During operation, the equipment must maintain stable performance without generating smoke emissions, fires, or explosions. These measures are designed to minimize worker exposure to hazardous substances while improving overall process safety and environmental protection.

Expected Impact on the Battery Recycling Industry

The proposed requirements represent a significant step toward establishing comprehensive safety governance for power battery recycling in China. As battery retirement volumes continue to grow alongside NEV adoption, stricter operational standards are expected to improve workplace safety, reduce environmental risks, and promote standardized industry development. The framework also supports the creation of safer recycling infrastructure capable of handling increasing volumes of end-of-life batteries while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is China introducing new safety requirements for power battery recycling?
The new requirements are intended to address growing safety risks associated with the increasing number of end-of-life power batteries generated by the expanding New Energy Vehicle market. Recycling processes involve hazards such as residual electrical energy, electrolyte leakage, hazardous gas emissions, and fire risks. The proposed rules establish standardized safety controls for dismantling, discharge, fragmentation, and related operations to improve worker protection, reduce environmental risks, and support the long-term development of a safe and sustainable battery recycling industry.

What are the main operational requirements included in the draft regulation?
The draft requires recycling facilities to use protective equipment, emergency response resources, automated equipment with fault warning and emergency stop functions, and enclosed fragmentation systems. Battery packs must be fully discharged before dismantling, with at least two operators involved in discharge activities. The regulation also prohibits bare-handed operations, outdoor dismantling activities, and open flames within work areas. Personnel responsible for safety management must receive appropriate training and obtain qualification certificates.