EU sustainable batteries regulation becomes law - essential information

author: FutureCar Staff    

The new EU Batteries Regulation has been published in the Official Journal of the EU, and it will come into effect later this month. The regulation aims to promote the sustainability of batteries throughout their entire life cycle and applies to all types of batteries, including those used in electric vehicles and industrial settings. It covers requirements for recycling, labelling, and due diligence.

The new Batteries Regulation replaces the existing EU Batteries Directive and has three main priorities: strengthening the functioning of the internal market, promoting a circular economy, and reducing the environmental and societal impact of batteries. It sets standardized rules for battery products, processes, waste batteries, and recyclates.

The Regulation applies to all economic operators placing batteries on the market or putting them into service in the European Union. This includes batteries imported from non-EU countries. The obligations apply to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other natural or legal persons involved in the battery supply chain. Specific obligations are outlined for manufacturers, importers, and distributors, including extended producer responsibility.

The Regulation also focuses on promoting a circular economy for batteries. Targets are set for the collection of waste batteries, with a goal of collecting 73% of waste portable batteries and 61% of waste batteries for light means of transport by the end of 2030 and 2031, respectively. The recovery of lithium from waste batteries is also emphasized, with a target of 80% by the end of 2031. Mandatory minimum levels of recycled content for lithium, cobalt, lead, and nickel in new batteries are also introduced.

In addition to promoting sustainability, the Regulation introduces harmonized rules on safety, sustainability, and labelling requirements. Hazardous substances like mercury and cadmium are subject to tighter restrictions, and the carbon footprint of batteries will need to be disclosed. Labels will provide information on components, battery lifetime, and recycled content.

The Regulation also includes requirements for supply chain due diligence. Economic operators placing batteries on the market will need to comply with due diligence requirements, including verifying the source of raw materials and publishing due diligence policies based on international standards. Non-compliance can result in restrictions or prohibitions on the market availability of batteries.

The Regulation will have a significant impact on companies in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy storage. It will enter into force on 18 February 2024, with certain obligations taking effect on 18 August 2024. Further clarification and rules will be provided through secondary legislative files in the coming years.

FutureCar Staff