New EU Battery Regulation Takes Effect on February 18, 2024

Published on July 12, 2023

The new battery regulation (EU) 2023/1542 is set to take effect next month on February 18, 2024.

The regulation aims to avoid and reduce the adverse impacts of cells and batteries on the environment, ensure a safe and sustainable value chain, and improve the environmental performance of cells and batteries, as well as the activities of all operators that participate in their life cycle. It establishes requirements for the placing on the market, putting into service, labeling, information, waste management, and market surveillance of cells and batteries. Likewise, it defines the obligations of different economic operators, such as manufacturers, importers, distributors, and end users, and establishes restrictions for the presence of certain substances in cells and batteries. The regulation also addresses the import of cells and batteries from third countries, requiring that they comply with the requirements of the regulation and other Union rules.

Importer Requirements:

• Product Identification: Importers must provide product identification, including name, trademark/logo, and importer address.
• Performance and Durability Information: Information on performance and durability, such as capacity and hazardous substance presence, must be included.
• Labeling and QR Codes: Cells or batteries must have labels with key characteristics and QR codes for additional information, ensuring end-user awareness.

Producer and Distributor Obligations:

• Producers and distributors must inform end users about proper waste management through labeling.
• Labels should include key characteristics and QR codes for accessibility and product passport access.

Battery Labeling Information for End Users:

• Main Characteristics: Labels must detail main characteristics including capacity and hazardous substance presence.
• QR Codes: QR codes on labels provide access to product passport, facilitating proper waste management information.

Impact:

• Approval Impact: Ensures compliance with environmental standards and waste management regulations.
• Spectrum Impact: Not applicable to spectrum but addresses environmental impact and sustainability.
• Importer Impact: Requires importers to provide detailed product information and comply with labeling regulations.
• Format and Requirements: Establishes clear requirements for product identification, performance information, labeling, and QR codes.
• Exemptions: No specified exemptions; all batteries must comply with the regulation.
• Timeline and Implementation: Becomes applicable on February 18, 2024, requiring compliance from that date onwards.
• Market Access Requirements Impacted: Promotes transparency and accessibility for end users, ensuring informed choices and proper waste management practices.