European Commission proposes new legislation for batteries

January 28th, 2021

The European Commission has released a proposal to modernise the regulatory framework for batteries.

The aim of the new regulation is to ensure batteries are sustainable, efficient and safe throughout their entire life cycle.

The initiative is part of the Commission’s New Action Plan for the Circular Economy and aims to address the high strategic importance of batteries for the European economy.

The proposal includes the following amendments to the regulatory framework:

  • Convert the legislation from a directive to a regulation to ensure harmonised rules between Member States
  • Introduce mandatory requirements for all batteries (industrial, automotive, electric vehicle and portable) newly placed on the European market, e.g. regarding the sourcing of materials used, the use of hazardous substances, the content of recycled materials, the performance, durability and carbon footprint
  • Increase the collection rate for waste portable batteries from 45% to 65% by 2025 and to 70% by 2030
  • Increase battery recycling efficiency targets and introduce new targets for recovered materials
  • Implement EPR obligation for manufacturers to take back all batteries (industrial, automotive, electric vehicle and portable)

Stakeholders have until 1 March 2021 to comment on the Commission’s proposal. The regulation is set to apply  from 1st January 2022.

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