China seeks opinion on rules for imports of battery waste, recycled steel

China is canvassing public opinion on rules for import of remnants from the recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries, as well as recycled steel materials, the environment ministry said on Tuesday.

It set a March 20 deadline to receive comments on a plan to allow more recycled material, in line with China's ambition to accelerate recycling efforts, signified by the setting-up of a China Resources Recycling Group in the northern city of Tianjin.

The proposal by the ecology and environment ministry says black mass from lithium-ion batteries, which contains nickel and cobalt with a combined content exceeding 25%, is not classified as solid waste and can be imported freely into China.

The black mass of battery refers to the residual substance after spent lithium-ion batteries have been processed for recycling, which usually contains metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

China also permits import of black mass from lithium-iron phosphate batteries.

Similar regulations cover recycled steel material with more than 92% iron content, which is permissible for import.