New Regulation for batteries and waste management – European Council

On 10 July 2023, the European Commission adopted a new regulation on sustainable management of batteries and waste batteries. The regulation will apply to all batteries including all waste portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial batteries, starting, lightning, and ignition (SLI) batteries (used mostly for vehicles and machinery), and batteries for light means of transport (e.g., electric bikes, e-mopeds, e-scooters). 

The new regulation is designed to promote fair competition and enhance the efficiency of the internal market for batteries. 

 Performance, durability, and safety standards, strict restrictions for dangerous chemicals like mercury, cadmium, and lead, as well as required disclosure of the carbon footprint of batteries all contribute to achieving this. The regulation adds labelling and information requirements, including those for an electronic "battery passport" and a QR code, as well as information on the battery's components and recycled content. Labelling rules will be in effect by 2026 and the QR code by 2027, providing member states and market participants time to be ready. 

The regulation seeks to minimize any negative effects on the environment and society during the battery's entire life. To do this, the regulation sets strict due diligence requirements for operators who must confirm the origin of the raw materials used in the batteries they sell. The regulation allows SMEs to be excluded from the requirements for due diligence. 

The regulation on batteries targets every phase of the life cycle of batteries, from design to waste treatment, with the goal of establishing a circular economy for the battery industry. This endeavour is quite significant, especially considering the rapid advancement of electric mobility. By 2030, the need for batteries is anticipated to have multiplied more than ten-fold. The new rule will complete the law and replace the present batteries directive from 2006, notably with respect to waste management. 

By regulating batteries throughout their life cycle, the new regulations seek to advance a circular economy. Consequently, the rule establishes end-of-life criteria, such as collection responsibilities, goals for material recovery, and expanded producer accountability.  

The regulation sets the below targets: 

The adoption process was concluded by the Council’s vote. The Council and European Parliament will now ratify the regulation. Then, it will likely go into effect on 30 July 2023 after being published in the Official Journal of the EU. 

The full text of the regulation can be found here.