【SMM analysis】2025 Lithium Battery Recycling Industry Policy Analysis

Published: May 25, 2025 23:29
The 2025 lithium battery recycling policies emphasize a dual logic of "regulation + incentives". By raising technical thresholds, strengthening full-lifecycle management, and increasing fiscal support, the policies aim to transition the industry from fragmented competition to high-quality development. Subsidies and relaxed import/export conditions are expected to alleviate long-term economic imbalances in the recycling sector.

I. "Industry Specifications for Comprehensive Utilization of End-of-Life Power Batteries from New Energy Vehicles (2024 Edition)"

Effective Date: January 1, 2025.
Key Requirements:

  1. Entry Thresholds for Enterprises:

    • Minimum registered capital of CNY 10 million.

    • Annual production capacity for recycling enterprises must be no less than 5,000 tons (regeneration) or 1,000 tons (second-life applications).

  2. Technical Standards:

    • Lithium recovery rate increased from 85% to ≥90%; nickel, cobalt, and manganese recovery rates ≥98%.

    • Process wastewater recycling rate must exceed 90%.

  3. R&D Investment:

    • Annual R&D expenditure must account for no less than 3% of recycling-related revenue.


II. "Action Plan for Establishing a Robust Power Battery Recycling System"

  1. Policy Objectives:

    • Build a full-lifecycle traceability system using digital technologies to monitor production, sales, dismantling, and recycling processes.

    • Crack down on illegal recycling channels and promote industry standardization.

  2. Key Directions:

    • Strengthen the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, requiring automakers and battery manufacturers to establish or collaborate on recycling networks.


III. Technical Standards and Environmental Requirements

"National Standard for Recycled Black Mass in Lithium-Ion Batteries (GB/T 45203-2024)"

  1. Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

  2. Core Requirements:

    • Define classifications and chemical specifications for recycled black mass (e.g., nickel-cobalt content ≥45%, lithium ≥6% in ternary battery black mass).

    • Standardize imported black mass quality and drive improvements in sorting and purification technologies.


Industry Analysis

The 2025 lithium battery recycling policies emphasize a dual logic of "regulation + incentives". By raising technical thresholds, strengthening full-lifecycle management, and increasing fiscal support, the policies aim to transition the industry from fragmented competition to high-quality development. Subsidies and relaxed import/export conditions are expected to alleviate long-term economic imbalances in the recycling sector.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Beijing Launches 500-kV Power Project in Fengtai, Boosting Grid Resilience and Industrial Growth
32 mins ago
Beijing Launches 500-kV Power Project in Fengtai, Boosting Grid Resilience and Industrial Growth
Read More
Beijing Launches 500-kV Power Project in Fengtai, Boosting Grid Resilience and Industrial Growth
Beijing Launches 500-kV Power Project in Fengtai, Boosting Grid Resilience and Industrial Growth
On January 28th, the construction of the 500-kilovolt power transmission and transformation project in Fengtai, Beijing officially started. This project is the first newly-built 500-kilovolt power grid project in Beijing during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. It will significantly enhance the resilience and power receiving capacity of the southern Beijing power grid and provide reliable power support for Beijing to continuously optimize the investment structure and vigorously develop high-end, precise, and cutting-edge industries. The 500-kilovolt power transmission and transformation project in Fengtai, Beijing is a key project of Beijing's power grid during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and one of the "3 100" key projects in Beijing this year. It is constructed and managed by the State
32 mins ago
Shaanxi-Anhui UHV DC Project's 500-kV AC System at Hezhou Station Begins Operation After Trial Run
35 mins ago
Shaanxi-Anhui UHV DC Project's 500-kV AC System at Hezhou Station Begins Operation After Trial Run
Read More
Shaanxi-Anhui UHV DC Project's 500-kV AC System at Hezhou Station Begins Operation After Trial Run
Shaanxi-Anhui UHV DC Project's 500-kV AC System at Hezhou Station Begins Operation After Trial Run
On February 1st, the 500-kilovolt AC system of the Hezhou Converter Station, the receiving-end station of the ±800-kilovolt UHV DC power transmission project from northern Shaanxi to Anhui, was officially put into operation after a 24-hour trial run.
35 mins ago
750-kV Power Line Connecting Northern to Central Shaanxi Fully Operational
36 mins ago
750-kV Power Line Connecting Northern to Central Shaanxi Fully Operational
Read More
750-kV Power Line Connecting Northern to Central Shaanxi Fully Operational
750-kV Power Line Connecting Northern to Central Shaanxi Fully Operational
On February 2nd, the 750-kilovolt power transmission and transformation project of the third passageway from northern Shaanxi to central Shaanxi was fully connected. The project starts from the 750-kilovolt Shuofang Substation in Shenmu City in the north and ends at the 750-kilovolt Bailuyuan Substation in Lantian County in the south. It has newly built a 1,271-kilometer line, passing through 18 counties (districts) in 4 cities including Yulin, Yan'an, Weinan and Xi'an.
36 mins ago
【SMM analysis】2025 Lithium Battery Recycling Industry Policy Analysis - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)