EU Introduces 'battery Passport' Regulation

The European Union has officially passed an important regulation, the "Battery Passport", which aims to strengthen the sustainability supervision of batteries and put forward traceability requirements. The move will cover all aspects of the life cycle of batteries used in products such as electronic devices and electric vehicles, including production, use, and recycling, to ensure that batteries are disposed of safely, sustainably, and responsibly at the end of their useful life.

From January 1, 2026, all electrical and industrial batteries with a capacity of more than 2 kWh will be required to have a unique serial number, which must be clearly marked on the battery unit. At the same time, the regulations also require information such as the date of manufacture, type and model, chemical composition, and intended use of the battery. In addition, each battery "passport" will also contain a QR code through which consumers can obtain detailed information on the battery's carbon emissions, electrochemical performance, and durability performance classification. The purpose of this initiative is to help consumers better understand the performance and characteristics of batteries. In addition, the Passport will guide the product's origin, composition, repair, and disassembly options, and how to recycle the various components.

This regulation introduces traceability requirements for batteries worldwide. As the number of electric vehicles on EU roads rapidly increases, there are growing concerns about the supply of key raw materials, as well as a desire to reduce reliance on third-country imports. The procurement and disposal of lithium-based batteries can have a significant impact on the environment due to the presence of toxic metals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese in their components. These substances have the potential to contaminate water supplies and ecosystems if not disposed of properly. In addition, elements such as lithium are finite resources that may be depleted in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under the new regulations, producers will have to recycle 63% of portable battery waste by the end of 2027, and this target will increase to 73% by the end of 2030. For batteries used in electric vehicles, the recycling target will reach 51% by the end of 2028 and is planned to increase to 61% by the end of 2031. The regulations also set recycling targets to recover 50% of lithium by the end of 2027 and 80% by the end of 2031. The recycling target for nickel-cadmium batteries is to recycle 80% by the end of 2025, while other waste batteries are required to recycle 50% within the same period. From 2027, portable batteries in electrical appliances should be able to be removed and replaceable by end users themselves.

This move by the EU marks an important step in battery sustainability management and environmental responsibility. By strengthening the regulation and recycling requirements of batteries, the EU will make a positive contribution to sustainable development and environmental protection, and promote the development of the manufacturing industry in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction.