Regulation (EU) № 2023/1542 (Batteries)
If you found your product in the description or know for sure that it falls under Regulation (EU) No. 2023/1542 (Batteries), request a certification cost calculation
The new Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which replaced the old Directive 2006/66/EC, establishes unprecedentedly stringent requirements for the entire life cycle of batteries placed on the European Union market. The updated legislation is a key element of the European Green Deal and aims to create a circular economy.
The main objective of the new Regulation is to ensure maximum traceability of products at every stage: from the extraction and sourcing of primary raw materials, environmentally friendly production, and efficient use to safe disposal and high-level recycling. Henceforth, conformity assessment (CE marking) of batteries includes not only technical safety but also strict control of factors such as:
Carbon Footprint minimization: Mandatory declaration of the greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production of each battery.
Use of recycled content: Implementation of mandatory minimum quotas for the use of recycled materials (recovered cobalt, lithium, nickel, and lead) in the manufacturing of new batteries.
Performance and durability: Strict requirements for parameters of performance, resistance to degradation, and the overall lifetime of power sources.
Waste collection and recycling: Increased responsibility of manufacturers and importers for organizing collection systems for waste batteries and achieving high recovery rates for valuable metals. ICR provides battery certification, CE marking, and technical documentation preparation services in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.WHICH PRODUCTS FALL UNDER THE SCOPE OF THE REGULATION?
The new rules apply to all types of batteries, regardless of their shape, volume, composition, or use:- portable batteries (for household appliances, smartphones, laptops);
- kight means of transport (LMT) batteries (electric scooters, electric bicycles);
- stationary battery energy storage systems (SBESS);
- industrial batteries;
- starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) batteries;
- electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
DIGITAL BATTERY PASSPORT AND QR CODE
One of the most significant innovations of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 is the mandatory implementation of a Digital Battery Passport (for LMT, industrial, and EV batteries with a capacity above 2 kWh). This is an open electronic system providing instant access to battery data via a unique QR code on the battery enclosure. Scanning this unique QR code redirects to the electronic battery passport containing information on:- Technical characteristics and chemical composition;
- Share of recycled materials (cobalt, lithium, nickel, lead);
- Performance, durability, and State of Health (SoH) parameters;
- Carbon Footprint metrics.
SAFETY PASSPORT
Each digital passport is verified by an EU Notified Body and contains validated information regarding:- Technical profile: chemical composition, performance and durability metrics, and the current State of Health (SoH) of the battery;
- Carbon Footprint: the exact volume of CO2 emissions calculated through the LCA procedure;
- Circularity: the share of used recycled materials (nickel, cobalt, lithium) and instructions for safe dismantling and disposal.
- Primary data collection and LCA modeling: We help collect information regarding your supply chain and calculate the environmental and carbon footprint of battery production.
- Laboratory testing: Conducting safety tests (resistance to short circuits, mechanical damage, thermal runaway) and determining actual operational characteristics.
- Management system and supply chain audit: Verifying company policies regarding due diligence in raw material sourcing.
- Verification by a Notified Body: Review of the technical file, LCA results, and test reports to confirm compliance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.
- QR code generation and activation in the European registry: Technical creation of the Digital Passport, submitting information to the centralized EU system, and assigning a unique identifier.