The EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) enforces uniform rules across all member states, covering the entire lifecycle of batteries. From August 2024, CE marking is mandatory, ethical sourcing must be demonstrated by 2025, and digital battery passports will become standard by 2027. Brands must adapt product design, labeling, and supply chains to stay compliant and competitive in the European market.
What Are the Key Requirements of the EU Battery Regulation?
The regulation governs batteries across five categories: portable, light means of transport (LMT), SLI (starter, lighting, ignition), industrial, and EV batteries. It sets stricter limits on hazardous substances, introduces mandatory CE marking, requires supply chain transparency, and enforces minimum recycled content and performance standards. Compliance timelines extend through 2030, with progressive obligations for all battery producers and sellers.
Why Does This Regulation Matter for Brands?
The EU aims to reduce environmental impact, improve safety, and promote sustainable supply chains. Non-compliance can block products from the EU market, damage brand reputation, and result in fines. By meeting these requirements, brands demonstrate commitment to sustainability, gain consumer trust, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving energy market.
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Which Batteries Are Subject to These Rules?
| Battery Category | Examples | Weight/Capacity Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Portable | Phones, laptops, power tools | ≤5 kg |
| LMT | E-bikes, e-scooters | ≤25 kg |
| SLI | Car starter, lighting, ignition | No weight limit |
| Industrial | Forklifts, energy storage | >5 kg, not covered elsewhere |
| EV | Cars, trucks, buses | Traction batteries |
Even products containing batteries fall under the regulation, so brands without direct manufacturing roles must ensure compliance.
How Do CE Marking and Labeling Requirements Affect Businesses?
From August 2024, all batteries sold in the EU must carry the CE mark:
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Small batteries (portable, industrial <2 kWh) – self-certification allowed.
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Larger or critical batteries (EV, industrial >2 kWh) – verification by a notified body may be required.
By August 2026, labels must include capacity, chemistry, hazard information, and substances above 0.1%. Redway Battery ensures its products meet CE standards, simplifying market entry for OEM partners.
What Is the Digital Battery Passport and Why Is It Important?
Effective February 2027, EV, LMT, and industrial batteries >2 kWh require a digital battery passport, linking to:
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Manufacturer and model details
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Capacity, carbon footprint, and recycled content
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Hazardous substances
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Safe removal and disposal instructions
Smaller batteries will also need QR codes with basic data. Collecting and managing supplier data early is crucial for smooth implementation.
How Must Batteries Be Replaceable?
By 2027, portable batteries must be user-removable, while LMT, EV, and industrial batteries must allow professional replacement. Brands need to redesign sealed-in batteries, provide access instructions, and ensure safe replacement practices, aligning with sustainability and repairability goals.
What Sustainability Requirements Are Introduced?
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Carbon footprint reporting: EV batteries first, then industrial and LMT batteries.
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Recycled content: From 2028, cobalt, nickel, lithium, and lead must meet minimum percentages, increasing through 2030.
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Performance & durability: Minimum cycle life and retention standards apply from 2028.
These measures encourage transparency and strengthen brand ESG credentials.
How Should Companies Handle Supply Chain Due Diligence?
Companies exceeding €40 million turnover must audit lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite sourcing:
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Establish sourcing policy
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Conduct risk assessments
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Implement corrective actions
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Complete third-party audits and annual reporting
Smaller companies are exempt but may face customer expectations for ethical sourcing verification.
When Does Extended Producer Responsibility Apply?
Starting 2025, producers are responsible for collection, recycling efficiency, and reporting compliance across EU member states. Early partnerships with take-back and recycling schemes can ease compliance and reduce costs.
Redway Expert Views
“The EU Battery Regulation sets a new benchmark for sustainability and safety in the battery industry. Brands must integrate compliance into product design, supply chain management, and labeling processes. At Redway Battery, we support OEMs in meeting CE requirements, providing transparent sourcing, and preparing for digital battery passports. Early adoption ensures both regulatory adherence and market advantage.”
What Should Brands Do Now?
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Map products to the correct battery category and compliance timeline.
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Verify supplier materials and CE marking plans.
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Build systems for carbon footprint, recycled content, and battery passport data.
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Redesign products for replaceable batteries where required.
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Initiate supply chain due diligence if turnover exceeds €40 million.
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Stay updated on delegated acts and technical standards.
Conclusion
The EU Battery Regulation requires brands to rethink their approach to product design, labeling, and sourcing. Compliance ensures safer, greener batteries and protects market access while enhancing brand trust and sustainability credentials. Partnering with experienced manufacturers like Redway Battery helps companies navigate regulations efficiently and turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are all batteries sold in the EU affected?
A1: Yes, the regulation covers portable, LMT, SLI, industrial, and EV batteries, including those embedded in products.
Q2: What happens if a battery lacks CE marking?
A2: Batteries without CE marking cannot be sold in the EU, and customs may block non-compliant shipments.
Q3: How do I prepare for the digital battery passport?
A3: Start collecting supplier data on capacity, carbon footprint, recycled content, and hazardous substances now to ensure smooth QR code integration by 2027.
Q4: Can Redway Battery assist with compliance?
A4: Yes, Redway Battery provides CE-marked, sustainable battery solutions and guidance on supply chain transparency and passport readiness.
Q5: When are recycled content and performance requirements mandatory?
A5: Recycled content minimums start in 2028, with stricter thresholds by 2030. Performance and durability standards also take effect from 2028.
