Overview of EU Battery Regulations

How EU Battery Rules Will Reshape Product Design and Supply Chains

The European Union has introduced sweeping new rules to ensure batteries are more sustainable, safe, and circular.  

The EU Battery Regulation (EU 2023/1542) came into force on 17 August 2023, replacing the 2006 Battery Directive. This regulation is directly applicable in all EU member states and covers virtually all types of batteries placed on the EU market, including: 

• Portable batteries 

• Automotive SLI batteries (Starting, Lighting, Ignition) 

• LMT batteries (e.g., e-bikes, e-scooters) 

• EV batteries (for electric vehicles) 

• Industrial batteries (e.g., energy storage) 

• Only a few specialised batteries (e.g., military, space, or nuclear) are exempt. 

Below is an accessible overview of the current EU battery regulations, key upcoming changes, and what areas businesses need to focus on for compliance. 

Why New Battery Rules? 

Batteries are central to the clean energy transition, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. The regulation takes a full life-cycle approach, aiming for: 

• Reduced carbon footprint 

• Safer battery chemistry 

• Responsible sourcing 

• Enhanced reuse and recycling 

As battery demand is expected to grow 14-fold by 2030, these rules aim to minimise environmental and social impacts while supporting the EU internal market with CE conformity and innovation incentives. 

Battery Categories and Scope - Which batteries are affected?

Essentially all batteries sold in the EU fall under the regulation’s scope, each with specific provisions. The regulation defines several categories: 

Each category has tailored requirements. However, the core principles of sustainability, safety, labeling, and end-of-life management apply across all batteries. Businesses from electronics manufacturers to electric car makers and industrial equipment suppliers all need to ensure the batteries they place on the EU market meet these new rules. 

 
Sustainability Requirements 

• Limit on harmful substances: Mercury, cadmium, and lead are being restricted. Safer battery chemistry is now expected. 
  
  

• Carbon footprint disclosure: From Feb 2025, EV battery makers must disclose life-cycle carbon footprint. Industrial and LMT follow in 2026 and 2028.
   

• Recycled materials reporting: Required from 2027–2028. Targets apply from 2031 (e.g., 16% cobalt, 6% lithium). 
  
  

• Ethical sourcing: Large producers must track raw materials to prove ethical and environmentally sound sourcing.  Note: Due diligence obligations may be postponed to August 2027 pending July 2025 consultation.  

Safety & Performance 

• Minimum durability standards: Rules will specify minimum capacity retention over time.
   

• Stricter safety requirements: All batteries must carry CE marking from 18 August 2024. 
  
  

• Removable batteries: By Feb 2027, portable batteries in consumer products must be user-replaceable ([Art. 11]). 
  
  

• Second-life reuse: The Regulation supports second-life applications (e.g., using EV batteries in energy storage), but implementation details are still being shaped by delegated acts. Manufacturers will be required to share technical and performance data to enable safe and verifiable reuse. Detailed conditions (testing, data, safety) will be clarified in delegated acts by 2026–2027.  

Labelling & Information 

• More info on the label:  Batteries must show capacity, chemical makeup, and safe disposal instructions. 
  
  

• QR codes required: From 2027, each battery must have a QR code that links to a Digital Battery Passport, a detailed online profile with carbon footprint, material content, and compliance info. 
  
  

• Better user guidance: Instructions must explain safe use, storage, disposal, and how to remove or replace the battery  

End-of-Life Management 

• Higher collection targets 
  Companies must meet phased collection targets for portable batteries: 

  - 63% by 2027 

  – 73% by 2030 

  These targets are based on the average annual weight of portable batteries placed on the market in the three previous years. 

  
  

• No landfilling or incineration 
  All waste batteries must be collected and sent to recycling. Landfilling and incineration are prohibited across the EU. 
   

• Recycling Efficiency 
  By 2025: 
  – Lead-acid: 75% 
  – Lithium-based: 65% 
  – Nickel-cadmium: 80% 
  – Other batteries: 50% 
  
  By 2030: 
  – Lead-acid: 80% 
  – Lithium-based: 70% 
  
  

• Material Recovery 
  By 2027: 
  – Cobalt, Copper, Nickel, Lead: 90% 
  – Lithium: 50% 
  
  By 2031: 
  – Cobalt, Copper, Nickel, Lead: 95% 
  – Lithium: 80%  
  
  Methodology confirmed by delegated act published 4 July 2025, entering  into force 24 July 2025 
   

• Full traceability 
  Every battery’s journey, from use to recycling, must be tracked and documented. 
   
  
  

Digital Battery Passport (By 2027) 

Required for: 

• EV batteries 

• Industrial batteries >2kWh 

• LMT batteries 
  
  

Must include: 

• Carbon footprint 

• Materials content 

These timelines illustrate that the EU Battery Regulation is phased: immediate changes now, and more stringent requirements coming over the next 5–10 years. Companies in the battery supply chain should use this lead time to adjust designs, establish data collection systems, and improve recycling capabilities to meet each new milestone.

Non-compliance could result in products being barred from the EU market or other penalties, so early action is prudent. 

Key Takeaways 

The EU’s battery rules reshape how batteries are designed, sourced, tracked, and recycled. The changes affect battery makers, electronics brands, recyclers, automotive OEMs, and energy storage firms. 

If your business works with batteries in any capacity, now is the time to: 

• Update product design for removability and durability.

• Establish data systems for traceability and carbon accounting.

• Prepare for digital passport, reporting, and verification requirements 

Need help getting ready? 

Noviqtech’s Carbon Central platform supports traceable carbon reporting, digital passport integration, and auditable supply chain data. Contact us to prepare for compliance, and lead with confidence in the world’s most advanced battery market.