BBWR: Proposed Expansion of Battery Removability Exemptions

The European Commission consulted stakeholders on a draft delegated act proposing additional exemptions from the requirement under the Batteries Regulation that portable batteries be removable and replaceable by end users. Certain product categories, including medical devices and wet appliances, are already exempt, with batteries only required to be accessible to independent professionals.

The Commission now proposes extending this list to six additional categories, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, electric toys and equipment covered by the ATEX Directive for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The proposal follows a 2025 call for applications and technical assessments with external experts. The growing fire risk from incorrectly disposed lithium-ion batteries was noted as a key consideration in evaluating exemption requests.