Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on batteries and battery waste entered into force on August 17, 2023, following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union on July 28, 2023.

Most of the provisions apply from February 18, 2024, with some exceptions for specific items that will come into force at different times, affecting the battery supply chain in the coming years.

From August 18, 2025, portable batteries may only be placed on the market or put into service if they meet the following requirements:

1. Battery recycling symbol
   All batteries must be marked with the specific battery recycling symbol.
2. Heavy metal content
   If batteries contain more than 0.002% cadmium or more than 0.004%, they must be marked with the chemical symbol for the metal.
3. Built-in batteries
   All electronic devices containing a battery must display both the WEEE recycling symbol (crossed-out wheelie bin with a black bar underneath) and the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol for battery recycling on their packaging.
4. CE marking and EU declaration of conformity
   Battery manufacturers must carry out a conformity assessment and complete a Declaration of Conformity, as set out in the annexes to Regulation (EU) 1542/23, in order to obtain the CE marking. The CE marking must be affixed to the battery in a legible, visible, and indelible manner. If this is not feasible or justifiable given the nature of the battery, the marking shall be affixed to the packaging and accompanying documents.
5. Due diligence
   Economic operators placing batteries on the market must comply with the due diligence, which must be verified and audited periodically by a notified body. Documentation certifying such compliance must be kept for 10 years after the batteries are placed on the market.

From August 18, 2026
The labels of all types of batteries must include all the information necessary to identify the manufacturer and the battery itself. They must also specify the physical and chemical characteristics, the presence of any critical or hazardous substances, and the extinguishing agent to be used in emergency situations. In addition, all non-rechargeable portable batteries must bear the words “non-rechargeable” on the label.

Starting February 18, 2027

1. QR code
   All batteries must be marked with a QR code, printed on the batteries or packaging, which provides access to the mandatory labeling elements, the declaration of conformity, and the due diligence and end-of-life battery management strategies.
   
2. Removability and replaceability of portable batteries
   Anyone placing products with portable batteries on the market must ensure that the batteries are easily removable and replaceable by the end user at any time during the product’s life cycle using commercially available tools and without the need for special tools.

From August 18, 2028
General-purpose portable batteries, excluding button cells, must meet the minimum values for electrochemical performance and durability parameters to be established by the European Commission by August 18, 2027.