We do not know how to label our batteries

Battery labelling under the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 comes in stages, set out in Article 13 and Annex VI. The first stage already applies. From 18 August 2025, all batteries are marked with the symbol for separate collection shown in Annex VI, Part B (Article 13(4)). The symbol covers at least 3 % of the area of the largest side of the battery, up to a maximum of 5 × 5 cm; for cylindrical cells, at least 1,5 % of the surface area. Where it would be smaller than 0,47 × 0,47 cm, the battery need not carry it, and a symbol of at least 1 × 1 cm is printed on the packaging. Batteries containing more than 0,002 % cadmium or more than 0,004 % lead are marked Cd or Pb beneath the symbol, covering at least one-quarter of its size (Article 13(5)).^[1]

The second stage is the information label. From 18 August 2026 or 18 months after the entry into force of the implementing act on harmonised label specifications, whichever is the latest, batteries bear a label with the general information in Annex VI, Part A (Article 13(1)): the manufacturer, the battery category and identification, the place and date of manufacture, weight, capacity, chemistry, hazardous substances other than mercury, cadmium or lead, the usable extinguishing agent and critical raw materials above 0,1 % weight by weight. On the same timetable, rechargeable portable, LMT and SLI batteries get a capacity label, and non-rechargeable portable batteries a label with their minimum average duration in specific applications and the words 'non-rechargeable' (Article 13(2)–(3)). The Commission was to adopt the implementing acts by 18 August 2025 (Article 13(10)).^[1]

The third stage is digital. From 18 February 2027, all batteries carry a QR code (Article 13(6)), which leads to the battery passport for LMT batteries, industrial batteries above 2 kWh and electric vehicle batteries, and for other batteries to the label information, the EU declaration of conformity, the due diligence report and the waste information.^[1]

Some marks sit outside Article 13. Manufacturers put a model identification and a batch, serial or product number on the battery (Article 38(6)) and their name, registered trade name or trade mark and postal address with a single contact point (Article 38(7)); importers add their own details (Article 41(3)). The CE marking is affixed to the battery before it is placed on the market (Article 20). Labels and the QR code are printed or engraved visibly, legibly and indelibly on the battery, and go on the packaging and accompanying documents only where the battery's nature and size do not allow it (Article 13(7)).^[1]