The EU Battery Regulation is the rulebook for every battery sold in the European Union, from button cells to electric vehicle packs. It covers the battery's whole life: how it is designed and labelled, what it is made of, where its raw materials come from, how it is collected when it is used up and how much of its material is recovered.
The regulation was adopted in July 2023, replaced the old Batteries Directive and has applied since 18 February 2024. Because it is a regulation, it applies directly in every Member State. Most of its demanding obligations phase in over several years, which is why dates matter more than the start date.
Who it applies to
The regulation covers all batteries, whether sold on their own or built into a product:
- Portable batteries, such as those in phones, laptops, tools and toys.
- Starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) batteries for vehicles and machinery.
- Light means of transport (LMT) batteries, such as e-bike and e-scooter batteries.
- Electric vehicle batteries.
- Industrial batteries, including stationary energy storage.
Before a battery is placed on the market it needs a conformity assessment, CE marking and an EU declaration of conformity. Obligations fall on manufacturers, importers and distributors, and on any company that puts a product containing a battery on the EU market. Extended producer responsibility applies to producers in each Member State where they sell, including sellers based outside the EU who sell directly to end users.
Key obligations and dates
| From | Obligation |
|---|---|
| 18 February 2024 | Regulation applies and replaces the Batteries Directive; other obligations phase in from the dates below |
| 18 August 2025 | Separate collection symbol on all batteries |
| 18 August 2026 | General labelling with capacity and other information, or 18 months after the labelling implementing act if later |
| 18 February 2027 | QR code on all batteries; battery passport for LMT, industrial above 2 kWh and EV batteries; removable and replaceable portable and LMT batteries |
| 18 August 2027 | Due diligence on cobalt, natural graphite, lithium and nickel, postponed by Regulation (EU) 2025/1561 |
| 18 August 2031 | Minimum recycled content: 16% cobalt, 85% lead, 6% lithium, 6% nickel |
The carbon footprint declaration for EV, rechargeable industrial and LMT batteries applies a set period after the Commission adopts the calculation method and declaration format. The Commission confirms that carbon footprint data is not yet required in battery passports in February 2027.
Collection, recycling and repair
The regulation sets binding targets for producers and recyclers:
- Collection of portable batteries: 63% by the end of 2027 and 73% by the end of 2030.
- Collection of LMT batteries: 51% by the end of 2028 and 61% by the end of 2031.
- Material recovery: 50% of lithium by the end of 2027 and 80% by the end of 2031; 90% of cobalt, copper, lead and nickel by the end of 2027 and 95% by the end of 2031.
It also supports the right to repair. From 18 February 2027, portable batteries in appliances must be readily removable and replaceable by the end user, LMT batteries must be replaceable by an independent professional, and batteries must stay available as spare parts for five years after the last unit of the product model is placed on the market.
Recent and proposed changes
- Due diligence postponed. Regulation (EU) 2025/1561 moved the start of due diligence from 18 August 2025 to 18 August 2027.
- Battery passport standards. A draft delegated act published for feedback in September 2026 proposes that the passport QR code and identifier follow EN 18220 and EN 18219.
- Environmental omnibus. In December 2025 the Commission proposed targeted amendments, including on LMT battery removability and the definition of producers selling at a distance. They apply only once adopted.
How to prepare
- Classify every battery and every product containing one by battery category.
- Register with the producer register and a producer responsibility organisation in each country where you sell.
- Check product designs for removability and replaceability ahead of 18 February 2027.
- Plan QR codes for all batteries and serialized passports for LMT, industrial and EV batteries.
- Collect composition, performance and sourcing data from cell and pack suppliers now.
How Veribl helps
Veribl checks each battery model against the Battery Regulation and shows which fields are still missing for its passport, label and QR code. It creates a battery passport for every serial number with the full Annex XIII field set, collects composition and substance data from cell and pack suppliers through a portal, and keeps every published version signed and online for at least 10 years.
See Veribl for e-bikes and batteriesOfficial sources
Frequently asked questions
When does the EU Battery Regulation apply?
It entered into force on 17 August 2023 and has applied since 18 February 2024. Many obligations have later dates: the separate collection symbol from 18 August 2025, the QR code, battery passport and removability rules from 18 February 2027, due diligence from 18 August 2027 and minimum recycled content from 18 August 2031.
Does the Battery Regulation apply to e-bikes?
Yes. E-bike batteries are LMT (light means of transport) batteries. They need a battery passport from 18 February 2027, must be replaceable by an independent professional, and have their own collection targets, carbon footprint and recycled content rules.
Do batteries in phones and laptops have to be replaceable?
From 18 February 2027, portable batteries incorporated in appliances must be readily removable and replaceable by the end user, with limited exceptions, for example where a permanent connection is needed for safety or data integrity. Products must also have the battery available as a spare part for at least five years after the last unit of the model is placed on the market.
What is the battery due diligence obligation?
Economic operators placing batteries on the market must identify and address social and environmental risks linked to sourcing cobalt, natural graphite, lithium and nickel. Regulation (EU) 2025/1561 postponed this obligation by two years to 18 August 2027. Companies with a net turnover below EUR 40 million are outside its scope.
What are the minimum recycled content levels for batteries?
From 18 August 2031, industrial batteries above 2 kWh, EV batteries and SLI batteries containing these materials must contain at least 16% recycled cobalt, 85% recycled lead, 6% recycled lithium and 6% recycled nickel. Higher levels apply from 18 August 2036. Documentation of recycled content comes first.
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