The EU's Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on Batteries and Waste Batteries, which came into force on 17 August 2023, marks a significant milestone in European lithium battery regulation. This regulation is implemented in phases, with a crucial implementation stage commencing on 18 August 2025. The new regulation replaces the previous Battery Directive, imposing stricter requirements across the entire battery lifecycle.

‌Carbon Footprint Transparency Requirements‌: From July 2024, power batteries and industrial batteries must declare their product carbon footprint, including detailed information such as raw material composition and total carbon footprint. By July 2027, these batteries must meet specific carbon footprint limit values set by the EU.

Battery passport system: From 2027, all power batteries exported to Europe must be accompanied by a digital ‘battery passport’ recording manufacturer details, material composition, recyclable content, and other data to ensure traceability and verifiability of environmental performance.

Restrictions on Hazardous Substances and Recycling Targets: The new regulation significantly tightens restrictions on hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, while setting ambitious recycling rate targets—reaching 63% for portable batteries by 2027, rising to 73% by 2030.

Due Diligence and Supply Chain Accountability: The regulation mandates battery manufacturers to conduct rigorous due diligence on raw material sourcing within their supply chains—particularly for critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and nickel—ensuring compliance with EU environmental and social responsibility standards.