Batteries

Batteries are an indispensable energy source. They are also a key technology in the transition to climate neutrality, and to a more circular economy. Global demand for batteries is increasing rapidly and is set to increase 14 times by 2030. The EU could account for 17% of that demand.

The European Parliament and the Council adopted the new Batteries Regulation on 12 July 2023. This will minimise the environmental impact of this exponential growth in light of new socioeconomic conditions, technological developments, markets, and battery usages. 

A key achievement under the European Green Deal, the new law brings forward the circular economy and zero pollution ambitions of the EU and strengthens the EU’s strategic autonomy.

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. In the current energy context, the new rules promote the development of a competitive sustainable battery industry, which will support Europe’s clean energy transition and independence from fuel imports.

• Batteries Directive (to be repealed in 2025 by the new Batteries Regulation)
• New Batteries Regulation (entered into force 17 August 2023)

Other laws related to Batteries Directive

• Decision on a common methodology for the calculation of annual sales of portable batteries and accumulators to end-users
• Decision on a questionnaire for Member States reports on the implementation of the Batteries Directive
• Regulation - rules on capacity labelling of portable secondary (rechargeable) and automotive batteries and accumulators
• Regulation - rules on calculating recycling efficiencies of the recycling processes of waste batteries and accumulators and guidelines on applying this Regulation

The Commission will adopt delegated and implementing acts under the new Batteries Regulation from 2024 onwards. This section will be regularly updated.

This section will be regularly updated from 2024 onwards when studies and publications become available under the new Batteries Regulation.

• Implementation Report for the Directive 2006/66/EC on Batteries and Accumulators
• Study in support of the preparation of the Implementation report on Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators

• Final report - Feasibility study on labelling and efficiency of primary batteries

• Final report - Comparative Life-Cycle Assessment of nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries used in Cordless Power Tools (CPTs) vs. their alternatives nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries
• Final report - elements for an impact assessment on proposed options for capacity labelling of portable primary batteries in the context of the Batteries Directive 2006/66/EC
• Final report - exemption for the use of cadmium in portable batteries and accumulators intended for the use in cordless power tools in the context of the Batteries Directive 2006/66/EC
• Final report  - study on the calculation of recycling efficiencies and implementation of export article (Art. 15) of the Batteries Directive 2006/66/EC
• Final report, executive summary and summary table - establishing harmonised methods to determine the capacity of all portable and automotive batteries and rules for the use of the label indicating the capacity of these batteries

Eurostat provides access to detailed information on batteries and accumulators produced and waste generated.

For questions about EU environmental policy, please contact Europe Direct.

Main law: New Batteries Regulation repealing in 2025 the Batteries Directive

Related topics:Chemicals Circular economy Waste and recycling

Related strategies: Chemicals strategy for sustainability, Circular Economy Action Plan, European industrial strategy, Zero Pollution Action Plan

Connected Commission priorities: European Green Deal