The Battery Directive aims to minimize all negative environmental impacts caused by batteries and used batteries as far as possible, to maximize the separate collection of used batteries and to achieve a high level of recycling. In addition, the regulation should lead to making batteries and the activities throughout the life cycle of all stakeholders more environmentally friendly. It also aims to reduce the amount of hazardous substances contained in the battery. In this regard, batteries can be classified into three types depending on their intended use: Portable, industrial and automotive batteries.

The Battery Directive has been applied equally in all EU member states since 2006. This is intended to ensure the seamless functioning of the internal market and avoid distortions of competition due to differing regulations. The deadline for member states to implement the directive was September 26, 2008. In 2018, a study commissioned by the Commission found that all countries had implemented the measures.

Measures to achieve the set goals are the following:

The German Battery Act (BattG) refers to the European Battery Directive (BATT) which regulates the distribution, return and environmentally friendly disposal of batteries and accumulators. It is independent whether the battery is installed in a device or not. Batteries are categorized into the same three categories as in the Battery Directive (portable, industrial and automotive batteries).

It is mandatory for the distributor or importer to register the batteries with the EAR Foundation before they are offered for sale for the first time. In addition, there is a regular reporting obligation. All batteries must have a correct labeling, which provides mandatory information for the end user. Batteries with particularly hazardous substances below the limit must also have special markings.

Find out more about other regulations: