The EU has made substantial revisions to its regulations on batteries and waste batteries, as outlined in Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. This regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on July 28, 2023, amending Directive 2008/98/EC and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, while repealing Directive 2006/66/EC. These changes will take effect on August 17, 2023 and will have a significant impact on the EU battery industry.
1. Scope and details of regulations:
1.1 Applicability of various battery types
This regulation applies to all battery categories manufactured or imported in the European Union and placed on the market or put into use, including:
① Portable battery
② Starting, lighting, and ignition batteries (SLI)
③ Light Transport Battery (LMT)
④ Electric vehicle batteries
⑤ Industrial batteries
It also applies to batteries included or added to products. Products with inseparable battery packs are also within the scope of this regulation.
1.2 Provisions on inseparable battery packs
As a product sold as an inseparable battery pack, it cannot be disassembled or opened by end users and is subject to the same regulatory requirements as individual batteries.
1.3 Classification and Compliance
For batteries belonging to multiple categories, the most stringent category will apply.
Batteries that can be assembled by end-users using DIY kits are also subject to this regulation.
1.4 Comprehensive requirements and regulations
This regulation sets out sustainability and safety requirements, clear labeling and labeling, and detailed information on battery compliance.
It outlines the qualification assessment process and defines the responsibilities of economic operators.
1.5 Appendix Content
The attachment covers a wide range of basic guidance, including:
Restriction of substances
Carbon footprint calculation
Electrochemical performance and durability parameters of universal portable batteries
Electrochemical performance and durability requirements for LMT batteries, industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2 kWh, and electric vehicle batteries
safety standards
The health status and expected lifespan of batteries
Content of EU Declaration of Conformity Requirements
List of raw materials and risk categories
Calculate the collection rate of portable batteries and LMT waste batteries
Storage, Handling, and Recycling Requirements
Required battery passport content
Minimum requirements for the transportation of waste batteries
2. Time nodes and transitional regulations worth noting
Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 officially came into effect on August 17, 2023, setting a staggered timetable for the application of its provisions to ensure a smooth transition for stakeholders. The regulation is scheduled to be fully implemented on February 18, 2024, but specific provisions have different implementation timelines, as follows:
2.1 Delayed Implementation Clause
Article 11 (Detachability and replaceability of portable batteries and LMT batteries) will only apply from February 18, 2027
The entire content of Article 17 and Chapter 6 (Qualification Evaluation Procedure) has been postponed until August 18, 2024
The implementation of the conformity assessment procedures required by Articles 7 and 8 shall be postponed for 12 months after the first publication of the list mentioned in Article 30 (2).
Chapter 8 (Waste Battery Management) has been postponed until August 18, 2025.
2.2 Continuing Application of Directive 2006/66/EC
Despite new regulations, the validity period of Directive 2006/66/EC will continue until August 18, 2025, and specific provisions will be extended after this date:
Article 11 (Dismantling of Waste Batteries and Batteries) will continue until February 18, 2027.
Article 12 (4) and (5) (Handling and Recycling) will remain in effect until December 31, 2025. However, the obligation to submit data to the European Commission under this article has been extended until June 30, 2027.
Article 21 (2) (Labeling) shall continue to apply until August 18, 2026.
Post time: Jan-02-2024
