The EU Battery and Waste Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 has been fully applicable across the European Union since August 18, 2025, replacing the older Battery Directive. Because it is a regulation rather than a directive, the rules apply directly across all Member States, bringing a more consistent and far-reaching compliance framework for manufacturers and suppliers.
Unlike the previous regime, the new law covers the full battery lifecycle, from raw material sourcing and product design to reuse and end-of-life handling.
It also brings circular economy principles into the legal framework, widening the list of requirements companies must meet, including restricted substances, carbon footprint declarations, recycled content thresholds, conformity assessment, CE marking, supply chain due diligence and greater transparency. The regulation also separates batteries into five categories:
- Electric vehicle batteries, light means of transport batteries, industrial batteries, starter, lighting and ignition batteries, and portable batteries.
Each category carries its own testing, documentation and conformity assessment obligations, adding another layer of complexity for manufacturers, importers and suppliers across the value chain.
For a sector already dealing with rapid growth in battery types and applications across automotive, consumer electronics and energy storage, the regulatory pressure is significant. Companies now need closer coordination between engineering, compliance and procurement teams, along with stronger data governance and lifecycle-wide oversight, instead of relying on isolated tests or standalone declarations.
The rules are also tougher when it comes to technical testing, documentation and independent verification. Notified Bodies now play a more important role in conformity assessment, helping strengthen oversight and support more consistent application across the EU market.
SGS is helping manufacturers and suppliers navigate this shift through integrated services covering regulatory interpretation, testing, verification and conformity assessment. With a global network of experts and testing facilities, the company offers a single point of support across the battery lifecycle, helping businesses reduce risk, manage resources more efficiently and stay ready for both current and future compliance demands.
To learn more, visit SGS: ‘Key Requirements and Impacts of the EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542’.
