On July 28, 2023, the EU Commission published the new Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, a significant update that took effect on August 17, 2023. This regulation aims to strengthen the EU internal market, promote a circular economy, and reduce environmental and social impacts throughout the battery life cycle. This blog will guide you through the key aspects of this regulation and what it means for manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
Key Objectives of the Regulation
The regulation is built around three primary objectives:
- Strengthening the EU Internal Market: This includes regulations for products, processes, waste batteries, and recycling.
- Promoting a Circular Economy: Encouraging the reuse and recycling of batteries to minimize waste.
- Reducing Environmental and Social Impacts: Ensuring sustainable practices throughout all stages of the battery life cycle.
Mandatory Requirements for Batteries
Scope of the Regulation
The regulation imposes mandatory requirements for all batteries placed on the EU market, excluding those used for military, space, and nuclear purposes. These requirements cover various aspects such as:
- Sustainability and Safety
- Labelling, Marking, and Information
- Due Diligence
- Waste Battery Management
- Battery Passport
- Green Public Procurement
Obligations of Economic Operators
The regulation specifies the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers, and distributors of batteries and products containing batteries. It also establishes procedures for conformity assessment and market surveillance.
Classification and Requirements for Different Battery Categories
Battery Categories
The regulation classifies batteries into five categories, each with specific requirements:
- Portable Batteries
- Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) Batteries
- Light Means of Transport (LMT) Batteries
- Industrial Batteries
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries
Functionality and Structure
Batteries are further categorized by their functionality (rechargeable and non-rechargeable) and structural status (cells, battery modules, and battery systems). Safety requirements are specified for stationary battery energy storage systems.
Design and Performance Requirements
The regulation imposes design and performance requirements, including:
- Performance and durability requirements for general-purpose portable batteries.
- Performance and durability requirements for rechargeable industrial batteries, LMT batteries, and EV batteries.
- Requirements for the detachability and replaceability of portable and LMT batteries.
Implementation Timeline
Understanding the timeline is crucial for compliance. Key dates include:
- July 28, 2023: Publication in the Official Journal of the EU
- August 17, 2023: Regulation enforcement begins
- February 18, 2024: Mandatory regulation enforcement
- August 18, 2024: Safety and performance requirements enforcement
- February 18, 2025: Carbon footprint requirements for EV batteries
- August 18, 2025: Supply chain due diligence and waste management requirements
- February 18, 2026: Carbon footprint requirements for industrial batteries
- February 18, 2027: Battery passports and removability requirements enforcement
- August 18, 2028: Recycled materials requirements enforcement
TÜV Rheinland Featured Services
TÜV Rheinland offers a range of services to help businesses comply with the new regulation. These include:
Testing and Verification
- Hazardous Substances: Testing for restricted substances.
- Carbon Footprint: Life-cycle carbon footprint calculation and verification.
- Recycled Content: Verification of recycled content.
- Performance and Durability: Testing for electrochemical performance and durability.
- Safety: Certification of battery safety parameters.
- Removability and Replaceability: Testing for these aspects.
Compliance and Certification
- Labelling and Information: Verification of compliance with labelling, marking, and information requirements.
- Due Diligence: Auditing due diligence policies and implementation.
- Waste Management: Calculating and verifying recycling and material recovery efficiency.
- Second Life Batteries: Evaluation for reuse or repurposing.
- Digital Battery Passport: Verification and management of the digital battery passport.
- Green Public Procurement: Ensuring compliance with procurement standards.
- EU Conformity Assessment: Verifying the EU declaration of conformity.
The new EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient battery market in Europe. Compliance is essential for all stakeholders in the battery supply chain. For detailed support and services, reach out to TÜV Rheinland’s experts to ensure your business meets all regulatory requirements.
