On July 1, 2023, the European Union (EU) introduced the new EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542, replacing the previous Batteries Directive that had been in place since 2006.
Why did the European Commission propose a new battery directive?
The Commission proposed to revise this Directive in December 2020 due to new socioeconomic conditions, technological developments, markets, and battery uses. Demand for batteries is increasing rapidly. It is set to increase 14-fold globally by 2030 and the EU could account for 17% of that demand.
What does the new EU Regulation mean for batteries & waste batteries?
The Council today adopted a new regulation that strengthens sustainability rules for batteries and waste batteries. For the first time EU law will regulate the entire life cycle of a battery – from production to reuse and recycling – and ensure that batteries are safe, sustainable and competitive.
Which batteries are not covered by the EU directive?
The directive does not cover batteries used in equipment to protect EU countries' security or for military purposes, or in equipment designed to be sent into space. With some exceptions for portable batteries used in emergency and alarm systems or medical equipment.
What does the new battery regulation mean for the UK?
The Council today adopted a new regulation that strengthens sustainability rules for batteries and waste batteries. The regulation will regulate the entire life cycle of batteries – from production to reuse and recycling – and ensure that they are safe, sustainable and competitive.
Are batteries regulated in the EU?
Since 2006, batteries and waste batteries have been regulated at EU level under the Batteries Directive. The Commission proposed to revise this Directive in December 2020 due to new socioeconomic conditions, technological developments, markets, and battery uses. Demand for batteries is increasing rapidly.
When will the Commission adopt a new battery policy?
The Commission shall, by 18 February 2025 for electric vehicle batteries, 18 August 2026 for rechargeable industrial batteries except those with exclusively external storage, 18 August 2028 for LMT batteries and 18 August 2030 for rechargeable industrial batteries with external storage, adopt: