A distributor imports lithium forklift batteries into the EU and has heard that the new Battery Regulation changes labels and introduces a digital passport. The compliance manager wants a clear list of what to prepare with the factory and when.
A lithium forklift pack is normally an industrial battery under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which applies in stages. Importers should plan for new labelling requirements, a QR code, a digital battery passport for industrial batteries above 2 kWh from February 2027, producer responsibility for collection and recycling, and supply-chain due diligence for larger companies. Some dates have been moved, so confirm the current timetable with an adviser, and agree with the factory early who supplies which data.
Main obligations in stages
- Conformity and CE marking. The battery must meet the regulation’s safety and performance requirements, with a declaration of conformity and technical documentation; see our CE marking article.
- Labelling. General labelling requirements apply from August 2026, with capacity, chemistry and other information on the battery.
- QR code. A QR code linking to battery information is planned from February 2027.
- Battery passport. Industrial batteries above 2 kWh need a digital passport from February 2027, with data on materials, performance and durability.
- Producer responsibility. The company placing the battery on the market must register and organise take-back and recycling in each country, or join a scheme.
- Due diligence. Supply-chain due diligence on raw materials applies to companies above a turnover threshold; its start date has been postponed, so check the current date.
What to prepare with the factory
- Agree who acts as manufacturer and who as importer for each model.
- Ask what data the factory can supply for labels and the passport: chemistry, capacity, weight, cycle life and materials.
- Agree how label artwork and the QR code are approved, and who keeps the data up to date.
- Plan producer registration in each country where you sell.
Redway holds relevant qualifications and certifications for its batteries; details are available from sales on request. Redway’s compliance documentation page and recycling page give background.
Building a timeline
List each obligation with its date, the owner in your company and the input you need from the supplier. Review the list every few months, because implementing acts and guidance are still being published.
Risk limits
This is a general summary, not legal advice. Dates, thresholds and details can change through new EU acts. Take advice from a qualified EU compliance adviser before placing batteries on the market.
Additional perspectives
Start the passport data list now. Collecting materials and performance data from the supply chain takes longer than designing a label.
Redway Tech Editorial Team – Compliance manager perspective
Decide early who is the producer in each country. Registration and take-back schemes take time to set up and are needed before the first sale.
Redway Tech Editorial Team – Importer perspective
Send us your data list with the drawing review. Many values come from cell and pack tests, so asking early avoids delays at shipment.
Redway Tech Editorial Team – Factory engineer perspective
Specifications are taken from Redway product pages as of October 2026. Where a figure isn’t published, this article says so. Confirm current specifications for your model with Redway before ordering. This article is general guidance, not a site-specific engineering assessment.
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