MIIT NEV Battery Recycling Measures Issued by China MIIT

On January 16, 2026, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the issuance of the “Interim Measures for the Recycling and Comprehensive Utilization of Waste New Energy Vehicle Power Batteries,” released jointly with five other government bodies. The policy reinforces a structured approach to managing end-of-life EV batteries nationwide.
The MIIT NEV battery recycling measures focus on improving recycling efficiency and ensuring compliant reuse of waste power batteries. The Measures are scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026, providing manufacturers and industry participants a clear timeline to align systems, processes, and responsibilities.
Scope and Scrappage Requirements Under MIIT NEV Battery Recycling Measures
The Measures state that new energy vehicles sent for scrappage must be accompanied by their power batteries. Vehicles scrapped without batteries will be classified as incomplete under existing regulations, with exceptions for battery-swappable vehicles and other specified cases.
This requirement is intended to prevent unregulated battery disposal and close gaps in end-of-life vehicle management. By linking vehicle scrappage directly with battery handling, regulators aim to improve accountability across the recycling chain.
Traceability and Lifecycle Oversight
A key pillar of the MIIT NEV battery recycling measures is enhanced information traceability. The policy calls for the establishment of a national information traceback platform dedicated to NEV power batteries.
The platform will support:

• Lifecycle footprint monitoring of power batteries

• End-to-end information traceback from production to recycling

• Improved data transparency for regulators and industry stakeholders

This approach is designed to standardize data management and strengthen oversight throughout the battery lifecycle.
Recycling Responsibility and Utilization Rules
The Measures clearly define the recycling responsibilities of power battery manufacturers and NEV manufacturers. Both parties are required to fulfill their due obligations in organizing and supporting compliant recycling channels.
In addition, the comprehensive utilization of waste power batteries is emphasized, with strict provisions stating that recycled batteries must not be used for prohibited purposes. This aims to ensure safety, environmental protection, and proper secondary use practices.
Regulatory Enforcement and Penalties
The MIIT NEV battery recycling measures also clarify regulatory and legal responsibilities. Penalty measures will apply to violations such as non-compliance with power battery coding requirements or failure to meet mandated recycling responsibilities.
By strengthening enforcement, the policy signals a more rigorous compliance environment for China’s NEV industry, reinforcing the importance of standardized recycling, transparent traceability, and lawful utilization of waste power batteries.