Fundamental Changes are ahead
The new EU Battery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542), which has now completely replaced the previous directive with phased obligations until 2030, fundamentally changes the way batteries are designed, placed on the market, managed and recycled. One of the most important changes is the transition from three battery types under the old Battery Directive to five clearly defined battery categories.
The new categories determine which compliance obligations apply to your products, what documentation you need, how you must label and collect them – and ultimately, how costly and complex your obligations will be.
Why did the EU move from 3 to 5 Categories?
The old Battery Directive (2006/66/EC) relied on three broad categories:
- Portable batteries
- Industrial batteries
- Automotive batteries
These categories were too vague for today’s market, where batteries are embedded in nearly every product – from e-bikes to wearables to vehicles powered by high-capacity lithium packs. The result was inconsistent interpretation across Member States and unclear obligations for manufacturers.
The 5 Battery Categories explained – and what they mean for you
By distinguishing between very different use cases – from AA batteries to EV packs – the law can now set the right technical and environmental requirements for each type. This harmonised structure reduces national discrepancies, supports safer and more sustainable battery life cycles, and reflects the rapid rise of e-mobility and consumer electronics. In short, the new categories adapt the regulation to today’s technological realities and future-proof the EU battery market.
1. Portable batteries
Definition: Sealed, lightweight batteries (< 5 kg) used by consumers in everyday devices such as remote controls, toys, kitchen appliances, laptops and smartphones.
Update:
– Stricter requirements for replaceability (from 2027, most portable batteries must be easily removable by the user)
– Stricter collection targets (63% by 2027, 73% by 2030)
– Higher minimum proportion of recycled materials
Affected businesses: Electronics manufacturers, importers and online sellers, as well as all brands offering battery-powered consumer products on the EU market.
2. Batteries for light mobility devices (LMT) as a new category
Definition: Batteries used to power e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards or similar vehicles.
Update as new category: The LMT market has grown explosively and no longer fit into the “portable” or “industrial” categories. Safety, fire hazards, transport issues and end-of-life disposal required separate regulations.
Impact on businesses:
– Requirements for performance and safety testing
– CO2 footprint information (phased)
– Specific collection and recycling obligations
– Manufacturers and importers of e-bikes/e-scooters now bear full EPR responsibility without restrictions
3. Starter, lighting and ignition batteries (SLI batteries)
Definition: Batteries mainly used in vehicles to start engines and supply power for lighting and ignition.
Update:
– Clearer distinction from EV batteries
– Specific regulations for durability, safety and labelling
Affected businesses: Automotive suppliers, automotive manufacturers, aftermarket brands.
4. Industrial batteries
Definition: Batteries for industrial or professional use or any batteries weighing more than 5 kg that do not fall under other categories.
Examples: Forklift batteries, batteries for telecommunications base stations, ESS (Energy storage systems).
Impact on businesses:
– Requirements for performance, durability and sustainability
– Mandatory due diligence in the supply chain
– Stricter recycling and reporting requirements
5. Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries as another new category
Definition: Drive batteries for electric or hybrid vehicles.
Update as a new category: The carbon footprint of these EV batteries, material composition (lithium, cobalt, nickel) and recycling value differ fundamentally from SLI or industrial batteries.
Impact on businesses:
– Mandatory CO2 footprint disclosures
– Quotas for recycled content
– Battery passport requirements (from 2026)
– Manufacturer responsibility for collection, take-back and proper treatment
– Manufacturers must prepare for extensive documentation and traceability requirements
What Companies need to do now
1. Clearly identify your battery category: Review your product portfolio and assign each battery to the correct category.
2. Review your Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations: Your obligations may have changed or expanded significantly.
3. Prepare for new technical and sustainability requirements: These include information on carbon footprint, durability testing and the interchangeability of portable batteries.
4. Adapt your supply chain and documentation processes: This applies in particular to electric vehicle and industrial batteries, which require due diligence systems and battery passports.
5. Update your compliance strategy before the regulations come into force: Penalties will be high, and national authorities are preparing for stricter enforcement.
If you have any questions or need assistance in assessing the impact of the new battery regulation on your business, our team at PRONEXA is here to help. Contact us!