New EU Batteries Regulation: What You Need to Know

New EU Batteries Regulation

The European Union is introducing new regulations for batteries, which will have significant implications for producers and sellers. The new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements will take effect soon, and countries like Italy, Poland, Spain, and Sweden already have available EPR registrations for batteries.

The new Batteries Regulation will ensure that, in the future, batteries have a low carbon footprint, use minimal harmful substances, require fewer raw materials from non-EU countries, and are collected, reused, and recycled to a high degree within Europe. This initiative supports the shift to a circular economy, increases the security of supply for raw materials and energy, and enhances the EU’s strategic autonomy.

Key Aspects of the New Batteries Regulation

In line with the circularity ambitions of the European Green Deal, the Batteries Regulation is the first piece of European legislation that takes a full life-cycle approach. The regulation will apply to all batteries placed on the EU market. This approach addresses sourcing, manufacturing, use, and recycling within a single law.

• Low Carbon Footprint and Reduced Harmful Substances: Starting from 2025, the regulation will gradually introduce declaration requirements, performance classes, and maximum limits on the carbon footprint of electric vehicles, light means of transport (e.g., e-bikes and scooters), and rechargeable industrial batteries. Also, batteries on the EU single market will be restricted to contain only necessary harmful substances, which will be regularly reviewed.
• Recycling and Material Recovery: Targets for recycling efficiency, material recovery, and recycled content will be introduced gradually from 2025 onwards. All collected waste batteries must be recycled, achieving high levels of recovery, especially for critical raw materials like cobalt, lithium, and nickel. Similarly, starting in 2027, consumers will be able to remove and replace the portable batteries in their electronic products at any time, extending the product life and reducing waste.
• Digital Passport and Labeling: Key data will be provided on a label, and a QR code will offer access to a digital passport with detailed information on each battery, aiding consumers and professionals in making informed decisions and supporting the circular economy.
• Due Diligence Obligations: Companies must identify, prevent, and address social and environmental risks linked to the sourcing, processing, and trading of raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and natural graphite in their batteries. The regulation aims to prevent an increase in environmental and social risks despite the rising demand for batteries.

Next Steps to Comply with EU Batteries Regulations

To comply with the new EU Batteries Regulation, sellers and producers should take the following steps:

1. Register Now: Begin the registration process in the available EU member states. Keep an eye out for notifications when other member states open registration.
2. Gather Information from Suppliers: If you are a reseller or use drop-shipping, obtain the necessary registration numbers from your upstream suppliers.
3. Stay Informed: Monitor updates from Amazon and EU authorities regarding specific requirements and procedures for compliance.

The new goals will have an impact on a wide range of business operators involved in manufacturing, distribution, retail and recycling of batteries.

Implications for Amazon Producers and Sellers

Producers of standalone batteries and batteries contained within products must prove compliance by providing a registration number to Amazon before August 18, 2025. After this date, Amazon will be legally required to either deactivate non-compliant offers or comply on behalf of the seller, depending on the country.

The new regulations introduce several key compliance requirements that producers and sellers must adhere to:

• Register as a Battery Producer: Producers of batteries must register in each relevant EU member state or enter into a contract with an approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). This ensures that producers meet the new regulatory requirements and avoid penalties. If you use drop-shipping or resell standalone batteries and batteries contained within a product, you must obtain the registration number(s) from your upstream supplier(s).
• Prove Compliance to Amazon: Sellers must submit their registration number(s) on the Compliance Portal for each EU member state where they have registered. The portal is expected to go live in Q3-Q4 2024. This step is crucial to demonstrate compliance and continue selling batteries on Amazon's platform.
• Annual Reporting and Eco-Fee Payment: Producers are required to annually report their battery sales and pay eco-fees to the relevant EU authorities or PROs. This ensures ongoing compliance with the new regulations and supports the recycling and proper disposal of batteries.

The new EU Batteries Regulation represents a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for battery producers and sellers. By taking proactive steps to register and prove compliance, sellers can ensure they meet the new requirements and continue to operate smoothly in the European market.