Are batteries regulated in the EU?

Since 2006, batteries and waste batteries have been regulated at EU level under the Batteries Directive. The Commission proposed to revise this Directive in December 2020 due to new socioeconomic conditions, technological developments, markets, and battery uses. Demand for batteries is increasing rapidly.

Can cadmium & lead be used in portable batteries?

The Regulation requires batteries containing hazardous substances such as cadmium and lead to be marked with a chemical symbol label if certain thresholds are exceeded (Cd for more than 0,002% Cadmium and Pb for more than 0,04% Lead). The use of mercury in portable batteries is no longer possible.

What is the batteries regulation?

The Batteries Regulation is a new regulation that sets requirements for batteries and waste batteries placed in the EU market. It covers all types of batteries unless an exemption applies. In this guide, we explain when the regulation will begin to apply, and its differences from the prior Batteries Directive.

What are EU rules on batteries?

EU rules on batteries aim to make batteries sustainable throughout their entire life cycle – from the sourcing of materials to their collection, recycling and repurposing.

What information is available in the batteries directive 2006/66/EC?

15) of the Batteries Directive 2006/66/EC provides access to detailed information on batteries and accumulators produced and waste generated. For questions about EU environmental policy, please contact repealing in 2025 the , , ,

What are the restricted substances in portable batteries?

The restricted substances are as follows: a. Batteries should not contain more than 0.0005% of mercury by weight. b. Portable batteries should not contain more than 0.002% of cadmium by weight. c. Portable batteries should not contain more than 0.01% of lead by weight.