New Regulation on Batteries and Used Batteries Coming into Effect
The aim of the Regulation is to create a circular economy for the battery sector, encompassing all stages of the battery lifecycle, from design to disposal.
The new Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation introduces a number of requirements to promote sustainability and circular economy for batteries. Among the most discussed are the mandatory CE, CO2, and waste collection labeling as well as the digital battery passport. Starting from August 2026, all types of batteries placed on the market must carry this information.
Furthermore, stricter collection and recycling targets for used batteries are introduced, including minimum quantities of recovered materials for new batteries. These requirements are intended to support the transition to clean energy and reduce the environmental impact of batteries.
The regulation applies to all types of batteries, therefore, extending the scope of its predecessor to traction batteries (for electric vehicles) and batteries for light mobility. As such, it addresses the significant growth in electromobility, based on which the demand for batteries is expected to increase tenfold by 2030.
The new Regulation supersedes the Battery Directive and is directly applicable in all Member States. While the regulation comes into effect in August 2023, it sets different transitional periods for the new obligations. The regulation can be retrieved HERE.
