New Obligations under the Battery and Waste Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 in 2025

The new requirements of the Regulation are being phased in gradually, with several key provisions taking effect throughout 2025. This Regulation replaces the former Directive 2006/66/EC and establishes a uniform legal framework for all types of batteries placed on the EU market.

We present a brief overview of the most significant changes for 2025.

From the perspective of manufacturers placing batteries and accumulators on the market, the relevant new requirements focus on battery labeling and the due diligence policies of economic operators.

As of August 18, 2025, all batteries must be marked with the separate collection symbol (the crossed-out wheeled bin). This symbol, including its display requirements, is in accordance with the current Waste Act (No. 79/2015 Coll., on Waste) and remains unchanged.

However, by August 18, 2025, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts to establish harmonized specifications regarding requirements (which will apply from August 18, 2026, or 18 months after the adoption of the act) for:

• Battery labeling providing general information as set out in Annex VI, Part A of the Regulation (manufacturer’s name, address, battery type, manufacturing date, weight, chemical composition, capacity, content of hazardous substances such as mercury, cadmium, or lead, and usable extinguishing agent).
  
  • Labeling of rechargeable portable batteries, LMT batteries, and SLI batteries with a label indicating their capacity.
  • Labeling of non-rechargeable portable batteries with a label indicating their minimum average duration in specific applications and a label stating "non-rechargeable."

The effectiveness of Chapter VII, regarding the obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies, has been postponed by the European Commission until August 18, 2027; this does not affect other parts of the Regulation.

We are informing you of these new requirements and obligations in advance to ensure the smoothest possible transition to the new rules. As the first Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) in Slovakia, we have adapted our battery and accumulator reporting structure to the new requirements of the Regulation. Consequently, we have been recording data on batteries placed on the market by manufacturers according to the new classification since January 1, 2024.

Our Recommendation:

‍Check your current product labeling and internal data recording processes, and prepare for the implementation of environmental declarations concerning batteries (battery composition, carbon footprint, etc.).

We are happy to assist you — contact us for more information.