The EU Council of Ministers has unanimously approved a draft regulation that aims to tighten sustainability regulations for batteries in the region. The law replaces a previous directive and will regulate the entire life cycle of a battery, from production to reuse and recycling. The objective is to ensure that batteries are safe, sustainable, and competitive. Under the regulation passed by the EU Parliament in mid-June, batteries installed in devices should be removable and replaceable by end users starting from 2027. Light vehicle batteries should be replaceable by an independent professional. Replacement batteries should be available for at least five years after being put on the market. The transitional period allows economic operators to adapt their product design to meet this requirement.
Special rules apply to smartphones and tablets. Manufacturers can choose to design their mobile devices for user-replaceable batteries or permanently installed batteries. However, if the battery is permanently installed, it must still have at least 83% of its capacity after 500 charging cycles and at least 80% of its capacity after 1000 charging cycles. Smartphones must also be designed to be dustproof and waterproof.
The regulation covers all types of batteries, including those used in vehicles, machines, and light means of transport such as electric bicycles, e-mopeds, and e-scooters. It also introduces labeling and information requirements, including those related to battery components and recycled content. A digital battery pass in the form of a QR code will be introduced for batteries with a larger capacity, which will record data such as the CO₂ footprint and working conditions in raw material extraction.
Collection targets for used device batteries for manufacturers will be implemented, with rates of 63% by the end of 2027 and 73% by the end of 2030. The recycling targets for lithium from old batteries are 50% by the end of 2027 and 80% by the end of 2031. There will also be mandatory minimum recycled content for industrial, starter, and traction batteries. The regulation aims to create a circular economy for the battery sector and reduce dependence on supplies from third countries.
Spanish Minister Teresa Ribera, responsible for the transition to a green economy, emphasized the importance of batteries in the decarbonization process and the EU’s transition to zero-emission modes of transport. The regulation will allow valuable resources in old batteries to be reused instead of relying on imports. The regulation will come into force 20 days after being published in the Official Journal of the EU.
