EU Battery Directive Latest Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
Date：2025-03-12 10:30:13 Classification
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The latest EU battery regulation (EU) 2023/1542 was published on July 28, 2023 and officially came into effect on August 17, 2023. This regulation aims to promote the sustainable development of batteries, reduce environmental impact, and regulate the production, use and recycling of batteries. The following are the main contents and requirements of the regulation:
1. Overview of the regulation
- Replacement of the old directive: The new regulation replaces the previous battery directive 2006/66/EC and changes the original directive form to a regulation, thereby achieving a more unified and coordinated regulatory framework within the EU.
- Scope of application: Applicable to all types of batteries, including portable batteries, light transport batteries, starting, lighting and ignition batteries, industrial batteries, and electric vehicle batteries. All categories of batteries are subject to this regulation except for special uses such as military, aerospace, and nuclear energy.
2. Battery classification and requirements
- Classification: The new regulation divides batteries into five categories: portable batteries, starting, lighting and vehicle ignition batteries (SLI), light traction batteries (LMT), electric vehicle batteries (EV) and industrial batteries.
- Specific requirements: Each type of battery has its own specific requirements. For example, for electric vehicle batteries, the regulation requires them to have a clear carbon footprint statement and label indicating the content of recycled cobalt, lead, lithium and nickel used in the battery.
3. Labeling and identification requirements
- Basic information: All batteries should be accompanied by a label containing basic information, such as manufacturer information, battery type, chemical composition, etc.
- QR code: The battery should also be accompanied by a QR code so that consumers and recyclers can obtain more information about the battery.
- CE mark and EU declaration of conformity: All batteries should be marked with the CE mark and EU declaration of conformity, as well as the battery carbon footprint and the corresponding carbon footprint performance level.
4. Producer Responsibility and Due Diligence
- Supply Chain Due Diligence: Producers need to conduct due diligence on their supply chains to assess social and environmental risks. The focus is on the supply of key raw materials such as cobalt, natural graphite, lithium and nickel.
- Source Legality: Producers need to ensure that the sources of these raw materials are legal and meet environmental standards to reduce the impact on the environment and communities.
5. Battery Recycling and Treatment
- Recycling Targets: The regulations set targets for battery recycling, such as a 45% recycling rate for portable batteries by the end of 2023, 63% by the end of 2027, and 73% by the end of 2030.
- Treatment Standards: The regulations set standards and requirements for battery treatment to ensure that batteries can be properly handled and reused after scrapping.
6. Digital Battery Passport
- Electronic Records: For electric vehicle batteries, light transport batteries, and rechargeable industrial batteries with a capacity of more than 2kWh, they will require an electronic record (electronic passport) containing information on the battery model, specific battery and its use.
- Carbon footprint information: From February 18, 2025, electric vehicle batteries and rechargeable industrial batteries greater than 2kWh must provide carbon footprint information and measure and report carbon footprint throughout their life cycle.
7. Hazardous substances restrictions
- Limits on mercury, cadmium and lead: Mercury content must not exceed 0.0005%, cadmium content must not exceed 0.002%, and lead content must not exceed 0.01% from August 18, 2024.
8. Extended producer responsibility (EPR)
- Producer responsibility: Anyone who places batteries on the EU market must be responsible for the collection and recycling of all batteries and regularly report to national authorities the quantities placed on the market.
- Registration requirements: All sellers should complete registration in all EU member states before August 18, 2025.
9. Other requirements
- Minimum shelf life and performance requirements: The specific minimum values will be gradually determined through delegated acts.
- Requirements for the use of recycled materials: From 2028, industrial batteries (>2 kWh), electric vehicle batteries, and SLI batteries must fulfill the obligation to use recycled materials.
- Removability and replaceability: Portable batteries must be easy for end users to disassemble and replace, while LMT, electric vehicles, and industrial batteries must be easy for independent professionals to disassemble and replace.
Summary
The new EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 is a comprehensive and strict regulation covering all aspects of battery production, use, recycling, and reuse. By introducing new classification, labeling and identification requirements, expanding producer responsibility, emphasizing battery recycling and treatment, and introducing innovative measures such as digital battery passports, the new regulation aims to promote the sustainable development of battery technology, reduce environmental pollution, and protect the rights of consumers. Battery manufacturers, producers, importers, and distributors need to pay close attention to the implementation details of this regulation and take appropriate measures to ensure compliance.
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