Meaning of symbols and labelling on batteries
The European Batteries Regulation 2023/1542 imposes obligations on producers and importers regarding the labelling, marking, and information requirements for batteries. These changes will be implemented gradually over the coming years. Below you will find an overview of all the information, symbols, and labelling that batteries must contain.
Labelling, marking and information requirements
From 18 August 2026, producers and importers are required to affix a label to all batteries with the following mandatory general information:
General information about the battery
- Information regarding the identity of the manufacturer
- The category of the battery and information for identifying the battery
- The location of manufacture (geographical location)
- The date of manufacture (month and year)
- The weight
- The capacity
- The chemistry
- Hazardous substances present in the battery other than mercury, cadmium or lead
- The appropriate extinguishing agent
- Critical raw materials present in the battery at a concentration of more than 0.1% by weight
Symbol for separate collection
All batteries must bear the symbol for separate collection. This indicates that used batteries must be collected separately and may not be disposed of with ordinary household waste.
Specific indications for certain batteries
- Non-rechargeable portable batteries must carry a label with information on their minimum average lifespan when used in specific applications and a label indicating "non-rechargeable".
- Batteries containing cadmium or lead in concentrations exceeding 0.002% cadmium or 0.004% lead must be marked with the chemical symbol for the relevant metal: Cd (cadmium) or Pb (lead).
Mandatory QR code
From 18 February 2027, all batteries must be marked with a QR code. This QR code must have high contrast compared to the background colour and must be large enough to be easily read by commonly available QR readers, such as those found on portable devices.
If this is not possible or reasonable, for example due to the shape or size of the battery?
Then the labels and QR code may also be affixed to:
- the packaging of the battery, and
- the accompanying documents supplied with the battery.
What information does the QR code provide?
The information available when scanning the QR code varies by battery type:
| Batteries for light means of transport, industrial batteries >2 kWh and batteries for electric vehicles | Access to the battery passport. |
| Other batteries |
Access to
|
| Starter, lighting and ignition batteries |
|
Reuse, repurposing and remanufacturing
Batteries that have been prepared for reuse or repurposing, or that have been repurposed or remanufactured, must carry new labels that meet all of the above requirements.
