The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that the 'Act on the Management and Industrial Promotion of Used Batteries' (hereinafter referred to as the Used Battery Act) was passed at the Cabinet meeting on the 20th.

This legislation provides a legal foundation for managing used batteries, which are expected to surge in volume due to the expansion of energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles, not as mere waste but as national strategic resources, and for systematically fostering related industries. The government projects that domestic used battery emissions will increase from 2023 2,355 units to 2030 107,500 units.is expected to increase.

With this legislation, a national response system for global eco-friendly trade regulations such as the European Union (EU) Battery Act has been established, which is expected to help stabilize the business environment for companies.

Main contents include: ▲Establishment of performance evaluation and safety inspection system ▲Establishment of battery lifecycle history and transaction system ▲Promotion of the use of recycled materials ▲Support for industrial development, etc.

The performance evaluation and safety inspection system classifies grades through performance evaluation before battery removal, and requires safety inspections before and after distribution for products equipped with used batteries, thereby managing the safety of used batteries.

The battery lifecycle history and transaction system is a public system that integrates and manages data from the entire lifecycle, from manufacturing to post-use, and supports transactions. It is expected to contribute to market activation, responding to trade regulations, and resolving management gaps for used batteries.

Regarding the promotion of the use of recycled raw materials, a target system for the content ratio of recycled raw materials and a certification system for the production and use of recycled raw materials will be introduced. This is expected to strengthen the domestic supply chain of key battery minerals and promote resource circulation.

Support for industrial development includes comprehensive measures such as recommending priority purchase of products equipped with used batteries, stabilizing the supply chain, and supporting technology development.

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The Used Battery Act is scheduled to take effect one year after its promulgation. To this end, the government plans to quickly prepare subordinate statutes through consultation with relevant ministries, experts, and the industry, secure related budgets, and design the system. 

Minister of Industry Kim Jung-kwan stated, "This legislation is the result of years of discussions among the industry and relevant ministries, and it will lay the foundation for establishing a complete circular system for domestic battery resources and promote the growth of new industries."