EU Battery Regulation
The EU Battery Regulation introduces comprehensive requirements covering the entire lifecycle of batteries, including sustainability, safety, labeling, and recycling.
Adopted on 12 July 2023, this regulation replaces the previous Directive 2006/66/EC and introduces stringent requirements covering the entire lifecycle of batteries — from design and production to reuse and recycling.
Key Objectives:
-> Environmental Sustainability: The regulation seeks to minimize the environmental impact of batteries by promoting the use of responsibly sourced materials and reducing hazardous substances.
-> Circular Economy Promotion: By setting targets for collection, recycling, and material recovery, the regulation aims to integrate batteries into a circular economy model, ensuring valuable materials are reused and waste is minimized.
-> Enhanced Performance and Safety: The regulation establishes standards to improve the performance, durability, and safety of batteries, benefiting both consumers and the environment.
The regulation applies to all types of batteries placed on the EU market, including:
-> Portable Batteries: Commonly used in consumer electronics.
-> Automotive Batteries: Designed for vehicle ignition, lighting, and starting.
-> Industrial Batteries: Used for industrial applications, including energy storage.
-> Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries: Specifically for powering electric vehicles.
The regulation entered into force on 17 August 2023, with various provisions becoming applicable over time to allow stakeholders to adapt to the new requirements.
Key Provisions:
-> Sustainable Sourcing: Manufacturers are required to source raw materials responsibly, adhering to social and environmental standards to mitigate adverse impacts associated with mining and processing.
-> Carbon Footprint Declaration: Batteries must have a carbon footprint declaration, promoting transparency and encouraging the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions during production.
-> Recycled Content Requirements: The regulation sets mandatory levels of recycled content for key materials like cobalt, lead, lithium, and nickel in new batteries, fostering a market for recycled materials.
-> Collection and Recycling Targets: Ambitious targets are established for the collection and recycling efficiency of batteries, aiming to recover valuable materials and reduce environmental harm.
-> Performance and Durability Standards: Batteries must meet specific performance and durability criteria, ensuring longer lifespans and reliability for consumers.
-> Information and Labelling: Manufacturers are obligated to provide detailed information on battery composition, performance, and safe usage, enhancing consumer awareness and safety.
Implications for Stakeholders:
-> Manufacturers: Need to adapt production processes to comply with sustainability and performance standards, potentially investing in new technologies and supply chain adjustments.
-> Consumers: Will benefit from higher-quality, safer, and more environmentally friendly batteries, with access to information facilitating informed purchasing decisions.
-> Recycling Industry: Opportunities will expand due to increased demand for recycling services and the integration of recycled materials into new batteries.
🔗 EP, EC
Adopted on 12 July 2023, this regulation replaces the previous Directive 2006/66/EC and introduces stringent requirements covering the entire lifecycle of batteries — from design and production to reuse and recycling.
Key Objectives:
-> Environmental Sustainability: The regulation seeks to minimize the environmental impact of batteries by promoting the use of responsibly sourced materials and reducing hazardous substances.
-> Circular Economy Promotion: By setting targets for collection, recycling, and material recovery, the regulation aims to integrate batteries into a circular economy model, ensuring valuable materials are reused and waste is minimized.
-> Enhanced Performance and Safety: The regulation establishes standards to improve the performance, durability, and safety of batteries, benefiting both consumers and the environment.
The regulation applies to all types of batteries placed on the EU market, including:
-> Portable Batteries: Commonly used in consumer electronics.
-> Automotive Batteries: Designed for vehicle ignition, lighting, and starting.
-> Industrial Batteries: Used for industrial applications, including energy storage.
-> Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries: Specifically for powering electric vehicles.
The regulation entered into force on 17 August 2023, with various provisions becoming applicable over time to allow stakeholders to adapt to the new requirements.
Key Provisions:
-> Sustainable Sourcing: Manufacturers are required to source raw materials responsibly, adhering to social and environmental standards to mitigate adverse impacts associated with mining and processing.
-> Carbon Footprint Declaration: Batteries must have a carbon footprint declaration, promoting transparency and encouraging the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions during production.
-> Recycled Content Requirements: The regulation sets mandatory levels of recycled content for key materials like cobalt, lead, lithium, and nickel in new batteries, fostering a market for recycled materials.
-> Collection and Recycling Targets: Ambitious targets are established for the collection and recycling efficiency of batteries, aiming to recover valuable materials and reduce environmental harm.
-> Performance and Durability Standards: Batteries must meet specific performance and durability criteria, ensuring longer lifespans and reliability for consumers.
-> Information and Labelling: Manufacturers are obligated to provide detailed information on battery composition, performance, and safe usage, enhancing consumer awareness and safety.
Implications for Stakeholders:
-> Manufacturers: Need to adapt production processes to comply with sustainability and performance standards, potentially investing in new technologies and supply chain adjustments.
-> Consumers: Will benefit from higher-quality, safer, and more environmentally friendly batteries, with access to information facilitating informed purchasing decisions.
-> Recycling Industry: Opportunities will expand due to increased demand for recycling services and the integration of recycled materials into new batteries.
🔗 EP, EC
- Categories
- Energy EfficiencySustainable Energy
- Legislation instrument
- Regulation
- Pillars
- Environmental
- Audience
- Business
- Legislation status
- In Force
- Applicable area
- EU
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
Timeline
- ProposedDec 9, 2020
- ApprovedJul 10, 2023
- AdoptedJul 12, 2023
- PublishedJul 28, 2023
- In ForceAug 17, 2023
- In ApplicationFeb 18, 2024
While the regulation entered into force on August 17, 2023, its provisions will be applied progressively, with the initial requirements becoming applicable from February 18, 2024. Subsequent obligations, such as due diligence requirements, carbon footprint calculations, and recycled content mandates, will come into effect in the following years.
General information
About Law
EnglishInformation
Q&A on Sustainable Batteries Regulation
EnglishQ&A
FAQ
EnglishQ&A
Regulatory Instruments
Supportive Documents
New Guidance on the EUBR (EC)857 kB
EnglishGuidance