New EU Battery Regulation Takes Over from the EU Battery Directive

In a significant development, the European Commission has introduced the new EU Battery Regulation, denoted as Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which comes into effect on August 18, 2023. This regulation is set to replace the previous EU Battery Directive 2006/66/EC, which will be officially repealed on August 18, 2025.

The new EU Battery Regulation maintains a scope that aligns with the previous EU Battery Directive. It covers similar product categories, ensuring continuity in regulatory measures. However, this regulation introduces several noteworthy changes, including more stringent substance restrictions and enhanced labeling requirements.

Like its predecessor, the new EU Battery Regulation mandates that batteries shall not contain more than 0.0005% of Mercury (CAS No 7439-97-6) or its compounds by weight. Portable batteries are also subject to restrictions, with a limit of 0.002% for Cadmium (CAS No 7440-43-9) and its compounds.

Notably, the new regulation introduces an entirely new provision by restricting the usage of Lead (CAS No 7439-92-1) and its compounds in portable batteries. Starting from August 18, 2024, these batteries, whether or not incorporated into appliances, must not contain more than 0.01% of Lead by weight. Zinc-air button cells face a later restriction, commencing on August 18, 2028.

The new EU Battery Regulation maintains a continuation of the labeling requirements, but also introduces additional elements:

• Batteries containing more than 0.002% Cadmium or more than 0.004% Lead must be marked with the chemical symbol for the respective metal: Cd or Pb.
• Effective August 18, 2025, all affected products must be marked with a symbol indicating the separate collection of batteries.
• Commencing on February 18, 2027, all batteries must bear a QR code that provides access to critical information, including battery passports, declarations of conformity, reports, and waste battery management details.

Further labeling requirements are introduced:

• Starting on August 18, 2026, batteries must carry a label containing general information on batteries, including manufacturer details, battery category, and hazardous substances present, excluding Mercury, Cadmium, or Lead.
• Rechargeable portable batteries, Large Stationary Batteries (LMT), and Start, Light, and Ignition (SLI) batteries are required to display information on their capacity.
• Non-rechargeable portable batteries should carry a label indicating their minimum average duration for specific applications and are labeled as "non-rechargeable."

The EU's new Battery Regulation marks a pivotal shift in battery industry regulations. With expanded substance restrictions and enhanced product labeling requirements, businesses and manufacturers should adapt to meet the new compliance standards.