BRIN Proposes Inclusion of Vehicle Battery EPR Provisions in the Revision of the Law on Standardization and Conformity Assessment

Evvy Kartini, a Research Professor specializing in Battery Physics/Technology and Neutron Scattering at the National Research and Innovation Agency (“BRIN”), proposed that the revision of Law No. 20 of 2014 on Standardization and Conformity Assessment (“Law 20/2024”) include provisions governing extended producer responsibility (“EPR”) for used vehicle batteries.

Evvy stated that manufacturers must establish schemes for the collection, storage, and recycling of batteries to prevent them from becoming hazardous waste that could adversely affect the environment. “Therefore, when they sell a vehicle equipped with a battery, whether it is nickel-based or non-nickel-based, there should be a party responsible for it going forward,” she said.

According to her, used batteries require special handling because they are classified as hazardous and toxic waste (“B3”) and may pose a risk of fire. Collected batteries should also be tested to determine whether they are suitable for second-life applications or should instead be recycled.

Furthermore, the Founder of the National Battery Research Institution stated that collected used batteries should be stored in dedicated facilities that meet applicable safety standards. “There must be certified warehouses, namely warehouses that are duly certified to store used batteries,” Evvy said.

Evvy emphasized that EPR is an important component of the circular economy and sustainability. According to her, Indonesia needs to transition toward an Integrated Battery Life-Cycle Standard covering the entire battery value chain, from raw materials, production, and use to second-life applications, recycling, and EPR at the end of the battery’s useful life.

Such a standard is also important to ensure that Indonesia’s electric vehicle industry is able to compete with global standards.