China targets retired EV batteries, mandates digital traceability for recovery

China introduced a policy to scale and standardize lithium-ion battery recycling, emphasizing infrastructure and industrial consolidation.

A national traceability platform launched on April 1 requires manufacturers, users, and recyclers to upload battery lifecycle data and gives each battery a unique digital ID.

Regulators told local governments to apply unified technical guidelines, and new 2026 rules will increase automaker and producer responsibility for retired batteries.