New Regulation EU 2023/1542 introduces all the necessary information that shall mark the batteries concerning their main characteristics, including their capacity and the amount of certain hazardous substances.
Since the information requested by the regulation is varied, there is the need to analyze each part of it in detail for better understanding.
CE marking
One of the most considerable modifications, that were introduced by the regulation, is the CE marking. This provision is applicable from 18 August 2024 and requests that the marking shall be affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly to the battery.
It can happen that, due to the reduced dimensions of the battery, the CE marking is not possible. In that case, it shall be affixed to the packaging and to the documents accompanying the battery.
Separate collection symbol
From 18 august 2025, all batteries shall be marked with the symbol for separate collection of batteries.
Label containing general information
From 18 August 2026 or 18 months after the date of entry into force of the implementing act, the general information that shall be affixed on all batteries in the label are:
-
information identifying the manufacturer;
- the battery category and information identifying the battery;
- the place of manufacture (geographical location of a battery manufacturing plant);
- the date of manufacture (month and year);
- the weight;
- the capacity;
- the chemistry;
- the hazardous substances present in the battery, other than mercury, cadmium or lead;
- usable extinguishing agent;
- critical raw materials present in the battery in a concentration of more than 0,1 % weight by weight.
Label containing information on capacity
From 18 August 2026 or 18 months after the date of entry into force of the implementing act:
- rechargeable portable batteries,
- LMT batteries and
- SLI batteries
shall bear a label containing information on their capacity.
Non-rechargeable batteries
From 18 August 2026 or 18 months after the date of entry into force of the implementing act, non-rechargeable portable batteries shall bear a label containing information on their minimum average duration when used in specific applications and a label indicating «non-rechargeable.»
Cadmium and lead symbols
All batteries containing more than 0,002 % cadmium or more than 0,004 % lead, shall be marked with the chemical symbol for the metal concerned: Cd or Pb. The relevant chemical symbol indicating the heavy metal content shall be printed beneath the separate collection symbol.
QR code
To ensure the availability of information over time, that information should also be made available by means of QR codes which are printed or engraved on batteries or are affixed to the packaging and to the documents accompanying the battery. Therefore, from 18 February 2027, all batteries shall be marked with a QR code. The QR code shall be in high contrast to the background colour and of a size that is easily readable by a commonly available QR reader, such as those integrated in hand-held communication devices. The QR code gives access to:
- battery passport for LMT batteries, industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2kWh and electric vehicles batteries;
- the amount of cobalt, lead, lithium or nickel recovered from waste and present in active materials in the battery for SLI batteries;
- the information mentioned in the paragraphs above, the declaration of conformity and the information regarding the prevention and management of waste batteries for other batteries.
Moreover, it is possible that they will be provided alternative types of smart labels or use instead of or in addition to the QR code, in view of technical and scientific progress. The labels and the QR code shall be printed or engraved visibly, legibly and indelibly on the battery. Where this is not possible or not warranted on account of the nature and size of the battery, the labels and the QR code shall be affixed to the packaging and to the documents accompanying the battery.