China publishes association standard that sets out methodology, requirements for carbon footprint assessment of Li-ion batteries

On Jan. 16, 2025, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology published on its website the first list of recommended association standards for carbon footprint assessment (or “quantification”) of industrial products. The list consists of 15 standards, including for lithium-ion batteries, cellular phones, ceramic building materials and sanitary ceramics. Each standard has provisions on assessment purposes, the assessment scope, inventory analysis, explanation of assessment results, carbon footprint reports, and carbon footprint statements.

One of these standards, “Greenhouse Gases—Quantification Methods and Requirements for Carbon Footprint of Product—Lithium Ion Battery” (T/CQAE 12002-2024), is outlined below. This standard, developed by China Quality Management Association for Electronics Industry, was published Nov. 27, 2024, and came into effect Dec. 27 that year.