China recycling batteries for new energy vehicles (NEVs) has new certification rules announced (No.19-2023) by the National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) for immediate implementation on September 25, 2023.
Background
As new energy vehicle power batteries are entering the phase of mass retirement, most still retain an average of 70-80% of capacity with sufficient residual energy to be utilized for applications such as energy storage and backup power. Given the growing trend towards diverse applications, the newly established rules play a pivotal role for regulating power battery recycling products, in order to ensure product quality and safety. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has implemented the rules to provide a framework for the certification process, guiding businesses and manufacturers to meet the necessary standards and compliance requirements.
Scope
The rules apply to fixed energy storage battery recycling products for new energy vehicle power batteries, including Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and Emergency Power Supply (EPS) battery systems. Other recycling battery products are not covered by the rules.
Certification process
The certification process covers 7 main steps:
- Submit certification request, review documents, and confirm application acceptance.
- Identify product unit category and design certification plan.
- Carry out initial factory inspection.
- Carry out product type testing.
- Evaluate results and obtain approval.
- Issuance of certificate.
- Ongoing monitoring and supervision are conducted after certification is granted to ensure continued compliance with standards and requirements.
Certification timeline
After the certificate issuing body has officially accepted the application, certificates are expected to be issued within 90 days. However, this timeframe does not cover the applicant’s preparation time such as gathering necessary documents and test samples, as well as the time needed for addressing non-compliance issues and conducting retesting if necessary. Any delays caused by the applicant or the manufacturer will not be counted as part of the certification timeline.
Certification standard references
The new certification rules are based on existing standards or technical specifications for two types of fixed energy storage battery recycling products:
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Battery Packs:
- GB 40165-2021: Safety Technical Specification for Lithium-ion Batteries and Battery Packs for Fixed Electronic Equipment
- YD/T 3768.1-2020: Technical Requirements and Test Methods for Recycled Vehicle Power Batteries Used in Communication Base Stations Part 1: Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries
- Emergency Power Supply (EPS) Battery Packs:
- GB 40165-2021: Safety Technical Specification for Lithium-ion Batteries and Battery Packs for Fixed Electronic Equipment
Certificate validity and renewal
The rules established a 3-year validity period for certificates, contingent upon post-certification surveillance by the certification body. If renewal is needed, applicants must apply within the last 6 months before the certificate’s expiration, with a new certificate issued upon satisfactory post-certification surveillance results.
Certification mark
Unified certification mark management is implemented for fixed energy storage battery recycling products.
The China Green Product (CGP) mark can be displayed on the product, packaging, and accompanying documents, but must adhere to specified usage and management guidelines such as the SAMR’s announcement (No.20-2019) for the Management Measures for the Use of Green Product Marks.
Further information
The implementation of the new certification rules marks a significant step towards regulating and promoting the industry responsibilities in NEV battery recycling in China.
Read the original CNCA announcement for the implementation rules for the certification of China recycling batteries for new energy vehicles.
In order to stay compliant with the latest standards and requirements for your fixed energy storage battery recycling products, contact Cisema if you would like to learn more about the application for CGP in details.
