Battery Regulation: new obligations in force

Since 18 February 2024, the European Battery Regulation 2023/1542 now applies in all Member States (see previous article).

While it will only repeal the Battery Directive 2006/66/EC with effect from 18 August 2025, the first requirements and obligations of the new regulation came into force on 18 August 2024.

The newly applicable requirements include:

CE conformity and battery labelling

Batteries must now undergo a CE conformity assessment procedure before being placed on the market. It is not sufficient to ‘re-label’ batteries that have already been produced with the CE marking or to add the Battery Regulation to an existing CE declaration.

In addition to the CE marking, batteries must bear new labelling that includes the address of the manufacturer and importer, as well as a batch and serial number.

In addition, all batteries must be accompanied by instructions for use with safety information.

Substance restriction on lead

The limit of 0.01% on lead means that portable batteries containing lead are de facto banned from the market.

Battery storage and management systems

New safety requirements apply to stationary battery storage systems, which must be verified as part of CE conformity.

Battery management systems must store and make readable data on the ageing status and expected service life of stationary battery storage systems and traction batteries for light and electric vehicles.

Rechargeable industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2kW and traction batteries for light and electric vehicles must also contain information on performance and service life.