China Proposes Stricter EV Battery Recycling Safety Rules As End-Of-Life Volumes Grow

The proposed standard, Safety Requirements for Dismantling and Crushing of Traction Battery Used in Electric Vehicle, applies to recycling operations including dismantling, crushing, sorting and thermal treatment. Developed by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), it aims to reduce the risks associated with handling high-energy lithium-ion batteries while supporting the safe expansion of the country's battery recycling industry.

Safety Requirements Target Battery Recycling Infrastructure

The draft introduces comprehensive requirements for facilities processing end-of-life EV batteries. Recycling plants would need dedicated areas for storage, dismantling, crushing, thermal treatment and exhaust gas treatment, alongside emergency response procedures, explosion protection systems and regular inspection of safety equipment.

Buildings used for battery recycling would need to comply with fire safety standards. Facilities handling crushing and thermal treatment would require gas detection systems and explosion protection measures, including explosion venting or isolation devices. Dust collection systems would also have to operate under negative pressure and incorporate explosion protection.

The proposal calls for automated control systems with fault warnings and emergency stop functions. Dismantling and crushing operations should not be carried out by hand or outdoors, while workers must receive specialist safety training and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Detailed Controls For Battery Dismantling And Crushing

The draft sets out procedures for discharging batteries before dismantling. Intact battery packs should generally undergo physical discharge. Damaged batteries may require chemical discharge, depending on their condition.

Before dismantling, operators must verify insulation resistance. Battery cells should be discharged to a terminal voltage of no more than 1.0 V before crushing, unless facilities are specifically designed to process live cells safely.

For crushing and thermal treatment, enclosed automated systems operating under an inert atmosphere would be required. Oxygen concentration inside the system must not exceed 2% by volume, with continuous monitoring of temperature, pressure and oxygen levels, together with alarm and interlock functions.

The proposal also requires explosion relief devices, enclosed dust collection systems and dedicated procedures for handling combustible aluminium residues generated during recycling.

Implications For The Battery Value Chain

The proposed standard is relevant not only to battery recyclers but also to automotive manufacturers, battery producers, equipment suppliers, engineering firms, insurers and investors developing battery circular economy infrastructure.

China is the world's largest EV market and a major processor of battery materials. As increasing numbers of first-generation EV batteries reach retirement, regulators are placing greater emphasis on ensuring recycling infrastructure can safely manage the electrical, thermal and explosion hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries.

Companies supplying battery recycling equipment or operating recycling facilities in China should review the proposed requirements, particularly those covering automation, explosion protection, gas monitoring and battery discharge procedures, ahead of the standard's final adoption.

Summary

China's proposed EV battery recycling safety standard introduces comprehensive requirements for dismantling and crushing facilities as end-of-life battery volumes increase. The draft strengthens expectations around automation, explosion protection, battery discharge and worker safety, signalling tighter oversight of battery recycling infrastructure across the electric vehicle circular economy.