Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that the bill to enact the “Act on the Management of Used Batteries and Promotion of the Used Battery Industry,” or the Used Battery Act, was approved by the Cabinet on May 20, 2026.

The act treats used batteries as strategic national resources rather than waste, providing a legal basis for their management as volumes are projected to increase sharply with the wider adoption of energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles. It also fosters related industries and establishes a national framework to respond to global green trade regulations, including the EU Battery Regulation, helping create a more stable business environment for companies.

Key measures include a framework for performance evaluations and safety inspections; a battery life-cycle tracking and transaction system; measures to promote recycled material use; and support for the used battery industry.

First, batteries will be graded through performance evaluations before removal, and products containing used batteries will undergo safety inspections before and after distribution. This will strengthen safety management for used batteries.

Second, the battery life-cycle tracking and transaction system will serve as a public platform that manages data across the full battery life cycle—from manufacturing to disposal—and facilitates transactions. It is expected to help stimulate the market, support responses to trade regulations and address gaps in used battery oversight.

Third, the act will introduce target requirements for recycled material content and a certification system for the production and use of recycled materials. These measures are expected to strengthen Korea’s supply chain for key battery minerals and promote resource circulation.

Fourth, the act will foster the used battery industry through recommendations for priority purchases of products equipped with used batteries, supply chain stabilization measures, and technology development support.

The Act will take effect one year after promulgation. Before then, MOTIR will work with relevant ministries, experts and industry to prepare implementing rules, secure the necessary budget and design a safe, balanced system.

“This act is the result of years of consultation between industry and relevant ministries,” Minister Kim said. “It will lay the foundation for a closed-loop system for Korea’s battery resources and support the growth of emerging industries.”