Only Used Batteries That Pass Safety Inspection Can Be Distributed Starting Tomorrow

Pre-Revised Electrical Appliances Safety Act Fully Enforced After One-Year Grace Period
KATS Designated as First Safety Testing Institution

On the 27th, visitors attending the '2023 World Battery & Charging Infrastructure Expo - 2023 World Solar Energy Expo' held at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, are looking at an automotive lithium-ion battery. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

With the amendment to the Act on the Safety Management of Electrical Appliances and Household Goods (Jeonan Act) coming into effect on the 19th, only secondary batteries that have passed safety inspections will be allowed to be distributed and sold. The government has designated Jeju Technopark as the first safety inspection agency for reused batteries in line with the implementation of the system.

The National Institute of Technology and Standards under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that starting from the 19th, it will officially implement a safety inspection system to support the safe reuse of used electric vehicle batteries, which have 70-80% remaining lifespan, as energy storage systems (ESS), camping power banks, and other applications instead of disposal.

Since the amendment of the Jeonan Act on October 18 last year to introduce the safety inspection system for reused batteries, the National Institute of Technology and Standards has completed the preparation of enforcement regulations during the one-year grace period, including designation of inspection agencies, subscription to liability insurance, imposition of fines for violations, and establishment of safety standards for reused batteries (KC 10031). KC 10031 contains safety requirements for lithium secondary batteries intended for reuse after use. The institute also added that it is promoting support measures such as rapid assistance for inspection agencies, launching liability insurance products, and providing safety standards briefings for the industry.

After announcing the preliminary registration for inspection agencies in July, the institute is currently evaluating five applicant organizations including testing agencies and manufacturers, and has designated Jeju Technopark as the first safety inspection agency. On the 27th, a briefing session on safety standards for reused batteries will also be held in Busan.

Meanwhile, along with the expansion of the electric vehicle market, the market for used batteries is also growing. SNE Research forecasts that the used battery market will expand from 3 trillion won in 2025 to 600 trillion won by 2050. The industry has expressed difficulties due to the lack of a safety inspection system despite increasing demand to use used batteries with remaining lifespan.

Jin Jong-wook, Director of the National Institute of Technology and Standards, stated, "The reuse of used batteries is one of the core strategies of the battery circular economy," adding, "We will thoroughly check the implementation of the system to ensure a balanced securing of consumer safety and the revitalization of related industries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.