On March 6, 2023, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued the document to kick-off the voluntary certification for echelon use of traction battery used on new energy vehicles.

The work of building up a certification system for such products has started in January of 2023. And the key information include:

·   A product catalogue for echelon use battery certification will be created and published by SAMR and MIIT.

·   Certification rules of such products will be published by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA), and it should be made and specified based on existing national, sector or association standards.

·   A certification technical committee will be organized by SAMR and MIIT to provide policy consultation and technical support.

·   An application database will be established for products that are certified, and will be open to the public.

·   Encourage usage of certified echelon used products in governmental funding project, key local projects and municipal public works.

·   Development banks are encouraged to offer capital support, loans or financing services to relevant manufacturers. Support insurance companies to design solutions and services that can offer risk guarantee for wider application of such batteries.

Foreign stakeholders should be aware that China’s monitor and market management for traction batteries of echelon use will be enhanced, which will probably form a stricter requirements than current level, therefore compliance observation and actions are advised to be taken. On the other hand, the support from financial institutions and governments may also create market opportunities for those who have suitable products or business in China.

Foreign manufacturers with local registered entity in China are also suggested to make communication with the aforementioned regulators, and join the preparing work on drafting implementation rules/product catalogue if possible. 

If you need more information or have any question on the topic, please contact: contact@bestao-consulting.com.