New EU Battery Recycling Regulations Take Effect in August

July 31, 2023 | The Toy Association™ is alerting members to the European Union’s new regulations for all batteries sold in the EU, which was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and will come into effect on August 18. The new rules aim to promote a circular economy as part of the European Green Deal and contribute to the EU’s zero pollution ambitions. They will apply to all battery-operated electronic and electrical toys.

Under the new regulations, companies that produce and place batteries in the EU market will face increased obligations, including stronger due diligence rules. These will apply to all batteries, including all portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial batteries, starting, lightning and ignition (SLI) batteries (used mostly for vehicles and machinery) and batteries for light means of transport (e.g. electric bikes, e-mopeds, e-scooters).

Key regulatory changes include:

• Suppliers of products that contain portable batteries are now included in the definition of "producer."
• All portable batteries incorporated into appliances shall be removable and replaceable by the end user (by February 2027).
• New labeling requirements will take effect. All batteries must be labelled with general information and must be marked with a separate collection symbol (by August 2026). All batteries must be marked with a QR code to access either a digital battery passport or other applicable information (by February 2027).
• Targets for battery-related waste collection and recovery rates (varied and increasing over time).
• A 100 ppm (0.01 %) lead limit in portable batteries (by August 2024), with an extension for portable zinc-air button cell batteries (to August 2028).

“While we applaud the EU’s commitment to address and reduce the environmental and social impacts for battery operated products, it is worth noting the significant financial and logistical impact these changes will have on all manufacturers & suppliers and the global supply chain over the next few years,” said Jos Huxley, senior vice president of technical affairs at The Toy Association.

Additional information on the council’s new regulations may be found here. Questions regarding compliance with the new regulations may be sent to Jos Huxley.