EU sustainable batteries regulation now in effect

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【Summary】The new EU Batteries Regulation aims to promote the sustainability of batteries and strengthen supply chain compliance. It applies to all types of batteries, including those used in electric vehicles. The regulation sets requirements for recycling, labelling, and due diligence. Producers will be responsible for financing the collection, treatment, and recycling of batteries, as well as providing information to end-users and waste operators.

FutureCar Staff Aug 16, 2023 7:09 AM PT

EU sustainable batteries regulation now in effect

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

The new Batteries Regulation replaces the existing EU Batteries Directive. The main priorities of the regulation are to strengthen the functioning of the internal market, promote a circular economy, and reduce the environmental and societal impact of batteries. It sets standardized rules for battery products, processes, waste batteries, and recyclates.

The Regulation lays down requirements for economic operators placing batteries on the market or putting them into service in the European Union. This includes batteries used in electric vehicles, industrial batteries, and portable batteries. Economic operators are defined as manufacturers, importers, distributors, or any other person subject to obligations related to batteries. 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 throughout their lifecycle. Targets are set for the collection of waste portable batteries and waste batteries for light means of transport. By the end of 2031, 80% of lithium from waste batteries should be recovered. Mandatory minimum levels of recycled content will be required for lithium, cobalt, lead, and nickel in new batteries. Portable batteries used in appliances should be removable and replaceable by the end-user.

The Regulation introduces harmonized rules on safety, sustainability, and labeling requirements. Hazardous substances like mercury and cadmium will have tighter restrictions. The carbon footprint of batteries will need to be disclosed, and labels will provide information on components, lifetime, and recycled content. Supply chain due diligence requirements will be implemented, and non-compliance may result in restrictions or withdrawal of batteries from the market.

The Regulation will have a significant impact on companies in various sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy storage. It will enter into force on February 18, 2024, with key obligations such as due diligence becoming effective on August 18, 2024. Secondary legislative files will be presented in the coming years to provide further clarification and rules on various topics related to batteries.