The National Development and Reform Commission ("NDRC") has recently drawn up and issued the Interim Administrative Measures for Recycling of Lead Storage Batteries (Draft for Comment) (the "Draft for Comment") for public consultation by August 23, 2019.
The Draft for Comment states that China operates a responsibility system for goals of lead storage battery recycling, and sets and publishes the standard recycling rates of lead storage batteries, adding that the standard recycling rate will reach 60% or higher by the end of 2025, and the State will adjust the expected recycling goads in due time according to the development of this industry. In addition, the Draft for Comment sets out in detail the basic systems, recycling, storage and transportation, resource reuse, and penalty provisions. Among others, "lead storage battery manufacturers (including importers) shall bear responsibility for accomplishing the recycling goals by means of recycling their own batteries, cooperation with businesses specialized in recycling or otherwise, and submit reports on the accomplishment of the preceding year's goals by the end of March every year". "Lead storage battery manufacturers that fail to achieve the annual objectives concerning lead storage battery recycling will be disallowed to claim the relevant subsidies from the State or enjoy the relevant tax reliefs, and new projects of this kind they propose will be disapproved".