China Releases Draft Voluntary National Standard Specification for Labeling Recycled Materials in EV Batteries 
On July 17, 2026, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released draft specifications for two Voluntary national standards concerning recycled materials in traction batteries for electric vehicles, opening them for public comment until September 25, 2026. These two standards constitute Parts 5 and 6 of the “Recycling of EV Battery” standard series (GB/T 33598). This article summarizes the main content of Part 5, “Labeling for Products of Recycled Material.”
This standard specifies general labeling requirements, label content, and application specifications for recycled material products used in EV battery. It was established to unify labeling requirements for these products and to standardize content, graphical elements, and placement methods. As a recommended national standard, compliance is voluntary; however, relevant enterprises are encouraged to adopt these labeling guidelines to enhance market recognition and highlight the environmental value of recycled materials.
Application Scope
This standard applies to recycled material products derived from the EV battery recycling process, such as black mass, metal salts, precursors, cathode materials, and anode materials.
General Labeling Requirements
Chapter 4 outlines general labeling requirements for recycled material products:
- Product labels must correlate directly with the product batch/lot number to ensure information traceability.
- Based on the core requirements specified in this standard, suppliers and buyers may agree to include additional information.
- Calculations of element content in recycled material products must comply with the provisions set forth in Part 6 of GB/T 33598, “Traceability and Calculation Method for Recycled Materials.”
Label Content
Chapter 5 defines the mandatory content required on labels. Labels must include, at a minimum, the following:
- The text “Traction Battery Recycled Material Product Mark” (Chinese: 车用动力电池再生材料产品标识)
- Recycled material product symbol/label
- Chinese product name of the recycled material product
- Batch/lot number of the recycled material product
- Recycled content of target elements (e.g., lithium, cobalt, nickel)
- Manufacturer name or registered trademark
- Date of manufacture
- Product specifications or model number
- Applicable standard(s) complied with
- Inquiry method for traceability information
Labeling Specifications
Chapter 6 outlines dimensions, design, color, and application methods:
- Dimensions: Labels should preferably be A6 size (nominal dimensions: 105 mm × 144 mm) or larger.
- Colors: Black text on a white background using SimHei font. Font sizes must comply with Table 1.
- Application Methods: For packaged goods, the label must be printed, affixed, or displayed in a prominent position on the outer packaging. If unpacked, or if directly affixing a label is unfeasible due to packaging shape, size, or other constraints, the label details must be included in accompanying product documentation.
Expected Implementation Date
Although the draft does not explicitly state an effective date, the accompanying “Explanatory Document on Standard Formulation” notes a recommendation that it take effect six months after official publication.
The original Chinese draft document can be downloaded from the following URL (Simplified Chinese):
https://std.samr.gov.cn/gb/search/gbDetailed?id=42BB562769012A35E06397BE0A0A0595
