China End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Recycling Management Regulations and Resource Recovery Targets (2025/2026)

Overview

China's "Measures for the Administration of the Recovery of End-of-Life Motor Vehicles" (State Council Decree No. 715) and related mandatory national standards (GB) form a powerful set of regulations mandating the proper disposal of the rapidly growing volume of scrapped vehicles in China, management of hazardous substances (lead, mercury, etc.), and higher recovery rates for metal and plastic materials such as iron, aluminum, and copper. From 2025 to 2026, obligations for automakers to design for recyclability (Design for Recycling, DFR) across the vehicle lifecycle, and unified audit and environmental management standards for dismantlers, are being significantly strengthened, compelling green resource circulation across the entire automotive supply chain.

Enforcement Timeline

- June 2019: The new "Measures for the Administration of the Recovery of End-of-Life Motor Vehicles" (State Council Decree No. 715) formally took effect.

- 2021: Detailed implementing rules on environmental requirements for scrapped vehicle recycling and dismantling, and hazardous waste storage standards, began to apply.

- 2025/2026: Full rollout of mandatory compliance requirements effectively requiring automakers to achieve a vehicle recyclability rate of 95% or more and a recovery rate of 85% or more, and mandatory linkage with the EV traction battery traceability platform.

Related Regulations / Topics

China Plastic Recycling Standards for Automotive Products

This regulation sets plastic recycling standards aimed at accelerating the automotive industry's transition to a circular economy in China. It requires automakers and parts suppliers to adopt Design for Recycling (DfR) from the vehicle design stage, mandates identification and labeling of plastic materials, and calls for higher use rates of recycled materials. Aimed at reducing environmental impact and maximizing resource efficiency, it sets strict technical requirements for ease of dismantling and maintaining material purity when vehicles are scrapped. It applies to all passenger and commercial vehicles sold in the Chinese market and is a significant standard forcing an overhaul of plastic management across the entire supply chain.

Business Impact

- Vehicle OEMs operating in China: Must secure local collection and dismantling channels for end-of-life vehicles, and are obligated to register vehicle dismantling manuals and component material composition data online on the "Automotive Materials and Recycling Information Disclosure Platform."

- Auto parts and materials manufacturers: Must shift product design toward easier dismantling and material separation (e.g., mono-material design, simplified fastening), and provide certification data confirming compliance with China's hazardous-substance material standards.