Demystifying EU Battery Regulations (2023/1542)

Part 1: Scope

In a ground-breaking move, the European Union has approved Regulation 2023/1542, a game-changer for batteries and waste batteries. In this series of posts, Kane Pinney, Certification Team Expert, will tell you what you need to know!

What is happening?

In July 2023, the EU approved Regulation 2023/1542, a comprehensive set of regulations laying down requirements related to battery sustainability, performance, safety, labelling, and more. It sets the stage for stronger regulation and control of the supply of batteries in the European Union market. The new regulations will have an impact on several industries as this affects equipment manufacturers and battery manufacturers.

Why is this happening?

With the rapid growth of the battery market, which is expected to continue expanding, this regulation was conceived to address a range of concerns including:

• Insufficient resources to meet the rising demand for batteries.
• Low rates of recovery and recyclability for waste batteries.
• Performance issues with batteries leading to premature end of life for products.
• Replicability of batteries, which can result in the disposal of otherwise functional products.
• Consumer protection
• Continued use of hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.

The primary goal of this regulation is to promote a circular economy throughout the entire battery lifecycle, establishing equitable standards for all industry participants. This will be achieved by emphasizing safety, sustainability, performance, and labelling requirements for all battery types.

?Implementation Date

Starting on 18 February 2024, Regulation 2023/1542 will come into force, phasing out the old Battery Directive (2006/66/EC). But here’s the twist: not all requirements will become mandatory at once; they’ll roll out gradually depending on the battery type.

Battery Types

These regulations have a wide scope, covering all battery types and technologies. They are categorized based on use:

• Portable batteries: a battery that is sealed, weighs 5 kg or less, is not designed specifically for industrial use, and is neither an electric vehicle battery, an LMT battery, nor an SLI battery.
• Starting, Lighting, and Ignition Batteries (SLI Batteries): a battery that is specifically designed to supply electric power for starting, lighting, or ignition and that can also be used for auxiliary or backup purposes in vehicles, other means of transport, or machinery.
• Light Means of Transport Batteries (LMT Batteries): a battery that is sealed, weights 25 kg or less, and is specifically designed to provide electric power for the traction of wheeled vehicles that can be powered by an electric motor alone or by a combination of motor and human power.
• Electric Vehicle Batteries (EV Batteries): a battery that is specifically designed to provide electric power for traction in hybrid or electric vehicles, that weigh more than 25 kg.
• Industrial Batteries: a battery that is specifically designed for industrial uses, intended for industrial uses after having been subject to preparation for repurposing or repurposing, or any other battery that weights more than 5 kg and that is neither an electric vehicle battery, an LMT battery, nor an SLI battery.
• Stationary Battery Energy Storage System: an industrial battery with internal storage that is specifically designed to store from and deliver electric energy to the grid or store for and deliver electric energy to end-users, regardless of where and by whom the battery is being used.

?What are the requirements

These regulations introduce a range of new requirements, which we will discuss in more detail in future posts, covering the following:

• Carbon Footprint Declarations
• Recycled Content & Material
• Performance and Durability
• Removability and Replaceability
• Safety of Stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems
• Labelling, Marking, and Information Requirements
• State of Health and Expected Lifetime
• Preparation for Re-use or Repurposing
• Due Diligence Policy for Large Businesses’ Supply Chains
• Digital Passport for Batteries & QR Code requirements
• Restrictions on Substances

?CE Marking

Within the regulations, there are requirements for a conformity assessment to be completed, and subsequently, batteries will need to be CE marked according to the requirements within the regulation. This applies to all batteries, including batteries that are designed for specific use in a product or supplied separately.

Manufacturers have two routes to follow:

• Self-assessment: Self-assessment can be used by manufacturers of portable and industrial batteries less than 2kWh. Ensure your batteries comply with harmonized standards/state-of-the-art methods (once they are officially published).
• Notified Body Assessment: For all other batteries, the notified body approach must be used.

?CE Conformity and Marketing Dates

Get ready, because from 18 August 2024, the CE conformity assessment and marking requirements come into force. However, some requirements, like carbon footprint and recycled content, will take a little longer to kick in with new requirements being rolled out until 2036, though not every battery type will be affected.

Contact us

To find out more about the new requirements, please speak to our team today. Visit: https://bit.ly/3UMGB8W

About The Author

Kane is the global certification technical expert for batteries, energy storage, and electric vehicle supply equipment. His wealth of experience spans numerous years in the TIC industry, focusing specifically on testing and certification activities for electrical products and energy storage systems. He actively participates in several standard committees related to the technologies within his areas expertise.