EU Batteries Regulation: Key Simplifications Agreed Under Omnibus VIII

On 24 June 2026, the EU Council agreed its negotiating position on the Omnibus VIII simplification package, which includes targeted amendments to the EU Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. The changes were first proposed by the European Commission on 10 December 2025 (COM(2025) 981 final) and aim to reduce administrative burden on industry while maintaining the core objectives of the regulation.

What changes for batteries?

1. Producer definition clarified (Article 3(1), point 47(d))

The definition of "producer" is extended to cover all manufacturers, importers, distributors or other persons selling batteries into a Member State from another Member State or a third country,  regardless of the selling technique used. Previously, the definition only covered those using distance contracts. This change ensures full coverage of extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations across all sales channels, including online marketplaces and indirect selling.

         2. New definition: Substance of Very High Concern 

A formal definition of "substance of very high concern" has been added to the Batteries Regulation. It refers to substances that fulfil the criteria laid down in Article 57 of REACH (Regulation EC 1907/2006) and are either identified under Article 59(1) of REACH, or listed in Annex VI of CLP (Regulation EC 1272/2008). This definition replaces the previously unclear reference to "hazardous substances" for labelling purposes under Article 13.

          3. Annex VI, Part A - Labelling threshold for SVHC updated 

Annex VI Part A, point 8 has been replaced with a new provision specifying that batteries must be labelled with the substances of very high concern (as defined above) present in the battery at a concentration equal to or above 0.1% weight on weight, excluding mercury, cadmium and lead, which remain subject to separate provisions.

            4. Removability and replaceability for LMT battery packs 

The original Article 11(5) required LMT (Light Means of Transport) batteries to be removable and replaceable at cell level. This raised safety concerns when faulty cells are replaced by untrained users in unsafe conditions. The amended Article 11(5) changes the requirement so that LMT batteries and battery packs must be readily removable and replaceable by an independent professional at module level at any time during the product's lifetime. The Council additionally introduced a targeted 18-month postponement of these requirements for certain product categories.

                5. Simplification of Commission reporting obligation 
The existing Article 76(4) required the Commission to review and publish a report every four years on the quality of data reported by Member States on battery waste management, including assessment of data collection organisation, accuracy and reliability. The second, third and fourth sentences of this Article have been deleted. The Commission retains the ability to review data flexibly and may publish a report at its own discretion, taking into account data sensitivity, confidentiality and alignment with evaluation timelines.

What stays the same?

All core obligations of the Batteries Regulation remain fully in force — including the battery passport, carbon footprint declarations, due diligence requirements, collection targets, recycled content rules, and end-of-life requirements. These amendments are surgical and do not change the overall ambition of the regulation.

Next steps

The Irish Presidency will lead negotiations with the European Parliament once both co-legislators have adopted their positions. The goal is to reach a provisional agreement on the full Omnibus VIII package by end of 2027. The Regulation will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.