China launches national battery traceability platform with mandatory April 1 rollout
China launched a national power battery traceability information platform on April 1, in parallel with the implementation of new regulations governing the recycling and utilisation of new energy vehicle batteries, according to CCTV News.
The platform was publicly released on March 31 following a trial operation that began on January 16, and is being implemented under the framework of the “Interim Measures for Recycling and Utilisation of NEV Power Batteries.”
Lifecycle tracking system
The system assigns a unique digital identity to each power battery, enabling real-time tracking of its movement throughout its lifecycle. According to official descriptions, the platform covers stages including production, sales, maintenance, replacement, dismantling, and reuse.
It integrates data across the supply chain and replaces a previous national monitoring and traceability system with an updated architecture and expanded data framework.
Authorities stated that the system enables continuous tracking of battery flow and supports full lifecycle traceability through a centralised data structure.
Data reporting and industry coverage
The platform applies to a wide range of participants, including battery manufacturers, new energy vehicle producers, importers, maintenance companies, battery swap operators, and recycling enterprises. Companies are required to upload data covering production, installation, sales, scrapping, recycling, and utilisation processes.
This reporting structure forms a closed-loop management mechanism for battery lifecycle oversight. Additional platform functions include traceability analysis, enterprise responsibility evaluation, and industry research support, as disclosed at the launch event.
CarNewsChina previously reported that China will require battery carbon footprint reporting starting in 2026, covering emissions data across material sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, and recycling stages.
Regulatory and operational functions
Government authorities will use the platform for real-time supervision, risk monitoring, and coordinated data management. The system is designed to track battery flows continuously and identify irregularities in handling processes.
Experts stated that the platform can prevent retired batteries from entering informal or unregulated channels, while addressing existing issues such as fragmented data, unclear responsibility allocation, and delayed regulatory response.
Implementation and rollout context
The platform is being developed under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, with the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre providing technical support and operating the platform.
More than 500 organisations, including companies, industry associations, and international institutions, participated in the launch event held in Tianjin.
Authorities described the system as infrastructure for managing power battery data across the full lifecycle, with mandatory integration requirements for industry participants effective April 1.
