Government to levy 4% tax on batteries, coatings   

我国对电池涂料开征4％消费税 促进节能环保

(ECNS) - The Chinese government has introduced a 4-percent consumption tax on batteries and coatings from the start of February, the Economic Information Daily reported Monday.

In an attempt to promote energy conservation and environmental protection, the State Council, China's cabinet, has approved guidelines for the consumption tax reform of battery industries submitted by the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation.

According to the plan, primary cells and storage are included in the scope of the taxation, while other types of batteries, namely mercury-free primary cells, nickel-metal hydrogen storage batteries, lithium primary and storage batteries, solar cells, fuel cells and all vanadium redox flow batteries, are exempt.

Taxation on lead storage batteries will be delayed until January 1 next year.

Coatings with volatilization organic matter content less than or equal to 420g/l during construction are also exempt from the tax, the guideline states.