Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
regarding EU Battery Regulation

The EU Battery Regulation encompasses a comprehensive set of rules and requirements established by the European Union (EU). On July 28, 2023, the EU Commission published the new EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) concerning batteries and waste batteries, which replaced the EU Batteries Directive (2006/66/EC) and took effect on August 17, 2023. The new legislation came into effect on February 18, 2024 and introduces updated requirements focused on improving the sustainability and safety of batteries and battery-powered products throughout their entire lifecycle. . It aims to minimize the environmental footprint of batteries by promoting a circular economy, encompassing aspects from design and production to reuse, repurposing, and recycling.

In February 18, 2024 the new regulation enter into force and application From 18 August 2024, rechargeable industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2 kWh, LMT batteries, and electric vehicle batteries shall be accompanied by a document containing values for the electrochemical performance and durability parameters. By 18 August 2024, Conformity assessment technical documentation should be prepared for Stationary battery energy storage systems (SBESS) From 18 August 2024, up-to-date data for the parameters for determining the state of health and expected lifetime of batteries shall be contained in the battery management system of stationary battery energy storage systems, LMT batteries, and electric vehicle batteries From 18 August 2024, portable batteries, whether or not incorporated into appliances, shall not contain more than 0,01 % of lead (expressed as lead metal) by weight.

The Regulation establishes compulsory requirements for all batteries placed/entering the EU market. Key requirements include: - Sustainability and safety requirements - Labelling and marking of batteries - Conformity of batteries - Management of waste batteries - Digital battery passport - Green Public Procurement - Notification of conformity assessment bodies

By 18 August 2031, the technical documentation for LMT batteries demonstrating the requirement for a maximum life cycle carbon footprint threshold is required. From August 18, 2031, technical documentation for industrial batteries (>2 kWh) must demonstrate minimum percentages of cobalt, lithium, nickel, and lead recovered from battery manufacturing or post-consumer waste per year and per manufacturing plant: Cobalt: 16% Lead: 85% Lithium: 6% Nickel: 6% By 31 December 2031, collection targets of waste LMT batteries is 61% No later than 31 December 2031, all recycling shall achieve at least the following targets for recovery of materials: (a) 95 % for cobalt (b) 95 % for copper (c) 95 % for lead (d) 80 % for lithium (e) 95 % for nickel

Article 7 mandates carbon footprint declarations for electric vehicle batteries, rechargeable industrial batteries (>2 kWh), and LMT batteries. Each battery model per manufacturing plant must have a label indicating its carbon footprint and performance class. Technical documentation must prove that the declared carbon footprint is below the maximum threshold.

This transition from a directive to a regulation signifies a fundamental change in how the legislation is implemented and enforced. While directives provide guidelines that EU member states must incorporate into their national laws, regulations are directly applicable and enforceable across all member states without the need for national legislation.

From August 18, 2031, technical documentation for industrial batteries (>2 kWh) must demonstrate minimum percentages of cobalt, lithium, nickel, and lead recovered from battery manufacturing or post-consumer waste per year and per manufacturing plant: Cobalt: 16% Lead: 85% Lithium: 6% Nickel: 6% From August 18, 2036, similar documentation is required with increased minimum percentages: Cobalt: 26% Lead: 85% Lithium: 12% Nickel: 15%

The digital battery passport is detailed in Article 77 of the EU Battery Regulation and will be mandatory for batteries placed or put into service on the EU market. It will be required by 18 February 2027. A battery passport is a digital document mandated by regulations that contains comprehensive information about a battery throughout its life cycle. Its purpose is to support sustainable and circular battery management by enabling informed decision-making in production, value creation, and consumer choices.

Portable Batteries, Light means of transport (LMT) batteries, Starting, Lighting or Ignition (SLI) Batteries, Industrial batteries and Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries

The battery regulation applies to manufacturers, importers, and distributors of batteries and products containing batteries. It outlines obligations for these entities and establishes procedures for conformity assessment and market surveillance.

A notified body is an organization designated by an EU Member State (or by other countries under specific agreements) to assess the conformity of certain products before being placed on the market.