The Council of the European Union has adopted new regulations on batteries and waste batteries.

Council of the European Union Adopts New Regulation on Batteries and Waste Batteries

2023-07-12 Economic Section, Taipei Representative Office in Belgium

Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs

Reference: Council of the European Union press release

The Council of the European Union on 10 July 2023 adopted the first landmark circular economy legislation proposed by the European Commission in 2020, strengthening sustainability rules for batteries and waste batteries.

The regulation will cover the entire life cycle of batteries, from production to reuse and recycling, ensuring their safety, sustainability and competitiveness, and fostering the development of the European battery industry.

The new regulation will replace the existing 2006 Batteries Directive and improve current legislation, particularly in the area of waste management.

The new regulation will apply to all batteries, including waste portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial batteries, SLI batteries primarily used for vehicles and machinery, and batteries for light means of transport (e.g., electric bicycles, electric motorcycles), among others.

Requirements on carbon footprint, recycled content and proportions, and sustainability will be implemented in phases from 2024. A more comprehensive regulatory framework on producer responsibility will apply from mid-2025, with higher recycling targets introduced over time. The regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force 20 days thereafter.