New Battery Categories: Focus on Usage
Batteries may be small, but the regulatory changes around them are significant. Since January, the new EU Battery Regulation has begun reshaping compliance across Europe, with its key provisions officially binding as of August 2025. For manufacturers and distributors, this isn’t just a legal update – it’s a shift toward new reporting structures, revised categories and adjusted processes. So what does this transformation actually mean in day-to-day business terms?
Until now, batteries have been reported primarily according to their chemistry and weight. With the new regulation, the focus is now more on the actual use of the battery in the respective device or area of application. The new classification comprises five categories:
- Portable batteries (≤ 5 kg) – e.g. in mobile electrical devices
- Industrial batteries (> 5 kg) – for industrial applications
- LMT batteries (Light Means of Transport) – e.g. for e-bikes or e-scooters
- SLI batteries (Starting, Lighting, Ignition) – typically for vehicles with combustion engines
- EV batteries – for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
A good example is the rechargeable lithium-ion battery: it can be found in all five categories – from smartphones and power tools to electric cars. So it is not just the battery itself that is decisive for reporting, but what it is used for.
Adjustments in Reporting: new Categories in the Reporting Systems
To reflect this differentiation, the European take-back systems (PROs – Producer Responsibility Organisations) have revised their reporting categories. The PRONEXA reporting tool (CDM platform) already reflects these changes. Companies will see the new categories in their monthly volume reports from January onwards and will have to allocate their battery sales volumes accordingly.
In practice, this means:
- Products that were previously reported under old categories must be reassigned.
- Correct classification according to application is crucial for legally compliant reports.
Are there any new legal Obligations?
For many battery manufacturers and distributors who are already registered, the basic obligations remain the same. Nevertheless, there are specific new requirements for action in individual countries.
- Example Germany: Some existing battery contracts with take-back systems must be resigned or amended to comply with the new regulatory requirements.
- Example Denmark: There is an important change for foreign manufacturers here: they must now also register and report batteries – both as spare parts and integrated into electrical appliances.
Regulations have also been tightened in other countries where previously no reporting obligation existed for foreign producers. Companies must now also register and report there– in line with the regulations in other EU countries.
New Price Lists and Conversion of existing Reports
With the new Battery Regulation, many PROs have also adjusted their price structures. This has several practical consequences:
- Manufacturers must transfer their previously reported products to the new categories in order to be able to report correctly from January onwards.
- In some countries, new registration requirements are being introduced for companies that were not previously subject to reporting obligations.
- Existing contracts with take-back systems – for example, in Germany – may need to be updated.
Conclusion:
Review your Processes and adjust Reports now
The new EU Battery Regulation does not introduce entirely new obligations, but rather a more precise, application-oriented system – with direct implications for reporting, contract structures and national registration requirements.
Companies should
- assign their product portfolios to the new battery categories
- review national specifics
- review existing contracts and registrations
If you are unsure about the new EU Battery Regulations and its impact on you as a producer, it is advisable to contact the your responsible PRONEXA compliance specialist directly.
If you are not yet a PRONEXA customer, please use the QUICK OBLIGATION CHECK.
PRONEXA Compliance Specialists support companies in identifying necessary adjustments and implementing them in a legally compliant manner.