Batteries

Batteries and accumulators 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.

To minimise the environmental impact of this exponential growth and in light of new socioeconomic conditions, technological developments, markets, and battery usages, the Commission proposed a new Batteries Regulation in 2020. A key achievement under the European Green Deal, the new law brings forward both the circular economy and zero pollution ambitions of the EU.

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 replaced by Batteries Regulation)
• Proposal for a Regulation on batteries and Annexes
• Proposal for a Regulation on batteries and Annexes

Other laws

• 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
• Guidelines on applying this Regulation

• Report on the implementation and the impact on the environment and the functioning of the internal market of the Batteries Directive
• Final implementation report for the Batteries Directive
• Report on the availability of mercury-free button cells for hearing aids, in accordance with Article 4.4 of the Batteries Directive 
• Report on the exemption from the ban on cadmium granted for portable batteries and accumulators intended for use in cordless power tools

The Commission published an evaluation of the former Batteries Directive in 2019. The evaluation concluded that the Directive has delivered positive results related to a better environment and promoting recycling and better functioning of the internal market for batteries and recycled materials.

However, limitations prevent the Directive from fully delivering on its objectives, in particular related to collecting waste batteries or the efficiency in materials recovery. The evaluation noted that it is difficult for the Directive to keep pace with technological developments, due to the absence of a mechanism to incorporate technological novelties and new uses.

• Evaluation of the Batteries Directive
• Study in support of the evaluation of the Batteries Directive
• Detailed analysis of the answers to the public consultation
• View the roadmap and the latest on the revision of the Batteries Directive.

• 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, replacing the Batteries Directive

Related topics:ChemicalsCircular economyWaste 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