▲Power bank BASTRO produced with Goodbye Car’s recycled batteries

Completion of reorganization of lower-level laws such as the 'Enforcement Decree of the Electrical Appliances and Consumer Goods Safety Management Act'
3 organizations including Jeju Techno Park and PM Grow designated as safety inspection agencies

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's National Institute of Standards and Technology (hereinafter referred to as KATS) is implementing a safety inspection system and responding to the increasing industry demand in response to the increasing importance of disposal methods for used batteries that are being replaced and discarded along with the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market.

The Korea Agency for Technology and Standards announced that it will be implementing a safety inspection system starting October 19 to support the safe reuse of used batteries from electric vehicles with 70-80% of their remaining lifespan as energy storage systems (ESS) and camping power banks instead of disposal.

Since the revision of the 'Electrical Appliances and Consumer Goods Safety Management Act' on October 18th of last year to introduce a safety inspection system for reused batteries, the KATS has completed the organization of lower-level laws such as the establishment of enforcement regulations such as △designation of inspection agencies, △subscription of liability insurance, and △imposition of fines for violations, as well as the establishment of safety standards for reused batteries (KC 10031: Safety requirements for lithium secondary batteries for reuse of used batteries) during a grace period of one year.

According to SNE Research, the global used battery market is expected to grow rapidly from KRW 3 trillion in 2025 to KRW 600 trillion in 2050.It works.

The government is currently promoting around 20 used battery reuse regulatory sandbox demonstration special projects for automakers and battery manufacturers, but it has been actively promoted as the industry has been experiencing difficulties due to the lack of a safety inspection system despite the increasing demand for used batteries.

▲Reusable battery utilization demonstration project case (Image source: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)

In addition, in order to establish a foundation for smooth implementation of the system, various support measures are being pursued in parallel, such as ▲ rapid designation of inspection agencies ▲ launching liability insurance products ▲ explanation of safety standards to the industry.

After announcing the pre-registration for inspection agencies in July, we are currently evaluating five applicants (four testing agencies: Jeju Techno Park, KTC, Ulsan TP, KTL / one manufacturer: PM Grow), and on October 19, the date the system was implemented, we awarded Jeju Techno Park the first safety inspection agency designation.

In addition, a 'Reusable Battery Safety Standard Briefing Session' will be held in Busan on October 27 to educate on △ detailed application criteria for each KC 10031 inspection item, △ SW inspection for cost reduction, etc., and △ information on the inspection agency's liability insurance products and subscription procedures.

Jin Jong-wook, head of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, said, “Reusing used batteries is one of the core strategies for a circular economy for batteries,” and added, “We will thoroughly inspect the implementation of the system to ensure a balanced balance between consumer safety and revitalization of related industries.”