EU Battery Regulation and Compliance 

As the European Union introduces the transformative EU Batteries Regulation, Axiom is here to help guide businesses through compliance, risk mitigation, and sustainability strategies. The regulation aims to replace the Battery Directive 2006/66/EC and elevate the EU’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

The EU Batteries Regulation is a cornerstone of the European Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals, targeting sustainability and safety in the battery value chain. It is designed to address the entire lifecycle of batteries, from raw material extraction to waste recycling, ensuring ethical sourcing, transparency, and compliance. 

In this article:

• What is the EU Batteries Regulation?
• Preparing for EU Battery Regulation Compliance: How Axiom Can Help
• EU Battery Regulation FAQ
• Regulatory & Compliance Lawyers

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The European Union Batteries Regulation, proposed on December 10, 2020, aims to replace the Battery Directive 2006/66/EC. This regulation is a key step towards a greener future, promoting sustainability by enhancing recycling efforts and reducing pollution. It seeks to transform waste into wealth, drive innovation, and boost economic growth. By supporting the shift to electric vehicles and renewable energy, it ensures safer, smarter choices for consumers and workers. Aligning with the EU Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals, it aims to elevate the EU’s competitiveness and sustainability.  

The regulation impacts the entire battery value chain (it consists of six parts that affect different stakeholders in the battery value chain), from raw material extraction to recycling. Compliance will require companies to adopt sustainable practices, ensure ethical sourcing, meet recycling targets, and provide operational transparency. This broad scope fosters a sustainable and ethical battery lifecycle, driving industry-wide changes and encouraging green technology innovation. Non-compliance could lead to financial penalties, operational restrictions, legal consequences, reputational damage, administrative sanctions, and supply chain impacts. 

Types of Batteries Impacted

The regulation applies to all types of batteries, including:

• SLI Batteries (Starting, Lighting, Ignition)
• Rechargeable Industrial Batteries with a Capacity Greater than 2 kWh
• Stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems
• LMT Batteries used in Electric Vehicles and Light Means of Transport 

By encompassing diverse applications, the regulation aims to foster sustainable innovation and drive industry-wide improvements. 

Key Objective and Compliance Requirements

Sustainability and Safety 

• The regulation emphasizes reducing pollution and enhancing recycling. Companies must meet recycled content targets and ensure the removability and replaceability of batteries to extend their lifecycle.  

Battery Passport and QR Codes

• A revolutionary feature is the introduction of the Battery Passport and QR Codes, which provide transparency in the supply chain and ensure traceability. These tools empower consumers and businesses to make informed, ethical choices.

Due Diligence in the Supply Chain

• The regulation mandates rigorous due diligence to ensure that all stages of production meet environmental and ethical standards. This includes monitoring raw material sourcing and ensuring compliance throughout the supply chain.

Affixing the CE Marking

• Manufacturers must affix the CE marking to demonstrate compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards.

Waste Batteries and Recycling Targets

• Transforming waste batteries into valuable resources is a central goal. By adopting robust recycling practices, companies can align with sustainability objectives and support the circular economy. 
  
  

EU Battery Regulation Timeline

Navigating the EU Batteries Regulation can be challenging, but Axiom is here to help. Our global network of over 1,100 regulatory and compliance lawyers can provide advice tailored to your business needs. We can help you prepare for compliance, mitigating potential risks and penalties.

1. Understanding the Requirements and Gap Analysis
   Stay informed about the specific provisions of the regulation and how they apply to your business operations.
2. Building an Implementation Plan 
   The obligations and requirements come into effect over a number of years. Once the requirements are understood, a path to compliance will need to be formed.
3. Internal Audits and Assessments 
   Regular audits are essential for maintaining compliance. Our lawyers can conduct regular audits to identify compliance gaps and address them promptly.
4. Training and Education 
   Equip your employees with knowledge of regulatory requirements. Ensure that employees are well-trained and aware of compliance requirements and best practices.
5. Engage with Experts 
   Work with legal, environmental, and regulatory experts to understand and implement the necessary measures.
6. Monitor Supply Chains 
   Evaluate and enhance your supply chain to meet regulatory standards. Ensure that suppliers and partners also comply with the regulations, as non-compliance in the supply chain can impact your business. 

With Axiom as your Battery Regulation compliance partner, you never have to compromise your highest standards.

We accept just 3 in every 100 applicants seeking to become Axiom lawyers, and only after a rigorous interview and meaningful background check that requires the submission of at least three references from past supervisors. The attorneys who’ve met our exacting standards boast an average of 15 years of experience, including many Fortune 500 and Am Law 200 veterans and graduates of a U.S. News & World Report Top 50 Law School.

Our extensive pool of legal talent enables us to tailor customized solutions that align seamlessly with each client's specific requirements, culture, and objectives. Axiom lawyers can be engaged on a full- or part-time basis, either onsite or remotely, for as long as needed. While your team supervises their work, we'll collaborate during onboarding to ensure they meet your expectations from day one.