The new EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542, effective from 18 February 2024, establishes uniform sustainability, safety, and performance standards for all batteries sold in the EU. It introduces carbon footprint requirements, digital battery passports, and strict recycling targets, ensuring environmental responsibility while supporting the rapid growth of electric mobility and industrial energy storage markets.
What Are the Main Objectives of the EU Battery Regulation?
The regulation aims to reduce the environmental impact of battery production, promote recycling and reuse, and harmonize battery standards across the EU. It encourages innovation in battery design and manufacturing while ensuring consumers have clear information about performance, durability, and sustainability. Key focus areas include CO2 footprint, performance and durability, labeling, and recycling efficiency.
How Does the Regulation Categorize Batteries?
Batteries are divided into five categories:
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| Battery Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Electric Vehicle (EV) | Car batteries, e-trucks |
| Light Means of Transport (LMT) | E-bikes, e-scooters |
| Portable Batteries | Batteries <5kg for consumer electronics |
| Industrial Batteries | Rechargeable batteries >2kWh for commercial use |
| Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) | Automotive starter batteries |
This categorization helps tailor obligations for different battery types, ensuring effective compliance and environmental protection.
Who Is Considered a Battery Producer?
Producers include manufacturers, importers, and entities that reuse or repurpose batteries. They bear Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), meaning they must manage collection, recycling, and reporting obligations. Producers without a physical presence in the EU must appoint an Authorized Representative (AR) to fulfill these duties.
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What Are the Key Obligations Starting in 2024?
From February 2024, producers must:
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Affix CE markings with notified body identifiers on all battery types.
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Provide performance and durability data, including state-of-health and expected lifetime for EV, LMT, and energy storage batteries.
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Comply with sustainability substance restrictions by August 2024: Mercury ≤0.0005%, Cadmium ≤0.002% (portable), Lead ≤0.01% (portable, excluding certain button cells).
Documentation of electrochemical performance and durability will also be mandatory for EV, LMT, and industrial batteries >2kWh.
When Will Future Requirements Take Effect?
Several measures will be phased in over the next decade:
| Requirement | Effective Date | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Battery Passport | 18 Feb 2027 | EV, LMT, industrial >2kWh |
| Due Diligence Reports | 18 Aug 2025 | All batteries; mandatory for producers with €40M+ turnover |
| Recycling Targets | 31 Dec 2027 | Recycle 90% of cobalt, copper, nickel, lead; 50% of lithium |
| Removability & Replaceability | 18 Feb 2027 | Portable & LMT batteries |
These provisions ensure that environmental and social considerations are embedded throughout the battery lifecycle.
How Does the Regulation Support Sustainability?
The regulation enforces clear requirements for carbon footprint labeling, recycled content, and durability standards. EV batteries must display carbon footprint data by February 2025, while industrial batteries >2kWh follow by February 2026. Recycled material documentation is required for cobalt, lithium, nickel, and lead, ensuring closed-loop circularity. Performance, durability, and replaceability standards guarantee longer-lasting and safer products.
Redway Expert Views
The EU Battery Regulation represents a transformative step for the energy storage industry. Manufacturers must integrate sustainability into design, production, and recycling processes. Redway Battery, with over 13 years of experience in LiFePO4 solutions for EVs, forklifts, and energy storage, is uniquely positioned to guide businesses through compliance while maintaining high performance, safety, and durability in battery systems.”
How Can Businesses Prepare for Compliance?
Companies should:
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Conduct gap analyses to evaluate current compliance against regulation requirements.
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Implement systems for carbon footprint reporting and digital battery passports.
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Develop recycling and take-back programs to meet EU collection targets.
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Collaborate with experienced battery manufacturers like Redway Battery for technical and regulatory guidance.
Proactive planning reduces the risk of non-compliance and strengthens market competitiveness.
Conclusion
The EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 sets a global benchmark for sustainability, durability, and safety in the battery sector. Businesses must adapt to evolving requirements, from substance restrictions to digital battery passports and recycling obligations. Working with trusted partners like Redway Battery ensures compliance, product reliability, and alignment with the European Green Deal, supporting a sustainable and circular battery industry.
FAQs
What batteries require a digital battery passport?
EV, LMT, and industrial batteries >2kWh must include a digital battery passport with carbon footprint, material origin, expected lifetime, and manufacturer details.
When must carbon footprint labeling be applied?
EV batteries: 18 Feb 2025; industrial >2kWh: 18 Feb 2026; LMT: 18 Aug 2028; energy storage >2kWh: 18 Aug 2030.
Who is responsible for battery recycling?
Producers hold Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), establishing no-cost collection systems and meeting recycling targets.
Are there substance restrictions for portable batteries?
Yes. Mercury ≤0.0005%, Cadmium ≤0.002%, and Lead ≤0.01% by weight, effective August 2024.
Can producers outside the EU sell batteries in the EU?
Yes, but they must appoint an Authorized Representative (AR) to fulfill regulatory obligations.
