EU sustainable batteries regulation implemented

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【Summary】The new EU Batteries Regulation aims to promote sustainability and circularity of batteries across their lifecycle. It applies to all categories of batteries used in the EU, including those used in electric vehicles. The regulation sets requirements for economic operators, introduces extended producer responsibility, and establishes targets for battery collection and recycling. It also includes rules on safety, labelling, and supply chain due diligence.

FutureCar Staff Aug 14, 2023 6:42 AM PT

EU sustainable batteries regulation implemented

After a lengthy legislative process, the new EU Batteries Regulation has been published in the Official Journal of the EU. It will enter into force later this month and commence from 18 February 2024. This Regulation aims to promote the sustainability of batteries throughout their entire life cycle and adds to the existing legislation on supply chain compliance. It applies to all types of batteries, including those used in electric vehicles and industrial applications. The requirements cover recycling, labelling, and due diligence.

The new Batteries Regulation replaces the previous 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 standardised rules for battery products, processes, waste batteries, and recyclates.

The Regulation lays down requirements for economic operators who place batteries on the market or put them into service in the European Union. This includes batteries imported from non-EU countries. The term "economic operator" refers to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other individuals or entities involved in the battery supply chain. Chapter VI of the Regulation specifies obligations for manufacturers, importers, and distributors, including extended producer responsibility.

The Regulation also includes rules on green public procurement for batteries by Europe's public authorities.

In line with the European Green Deal, the Regulation aims to boost circularity in batteries and reduce pollution. It sets targets for the collection of waste batteries and the recovery of critical materials like lithium. It also introduces mandatory minimum levels of recycled content for certain battery types.

The Regulation introduces harmonised rules on safety, sustainability, and labelling requirements. It restricts the use of hazardous substances and requires the disclosure of the carbon footprint of batteries. Labels will need to provide information on components, battery lifetime, and recycled content.

Supply chain due diligence requirements will apply to economic operators placing batteries on the market. These include verifying the source of raw materials, determining internal responsibilities, and third-party verification of battery due diligence policies. Non-compliance can result in restrictions or prohibitions on the market availability of batteries.

The Regulation will be of significance to companies in various sectors, particularly those in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy storage. It will enter into force on 18 February 2024, with key obligations such as due diligence taking effect on 18 August 2024.

Further clarification and rules will be provided through secondary legislative files in the coming years, addressing topics such as carbon footprint calculation, restricted substance use, and recycled content requirements.