The European Council adopted a new regulation for more sustainability pertaining to batteries and waste batteries. The law pertains to all batteries, including those for handheld gaming consoles, mobile phones, and tablets, as well as much larger items such as e-bikes, electric vehicles, and more. Manufacturers have until 2027 to ensure that their product’s batteries are accessible and replaceable by users.
Wow, the European Union does not mess around when it comes to power. First, it was the charging ports, as the EU mandated that phones, tablets, earbuds, and other specific devices had to have a USB-C charging port starting next year (laptops have until spring 2026). Now, their focus has moved on to batteries.
Earlier this month, batteries were in the European Council’s crosshairs, as a new EU regulation requires handheld gaming consoles, phones, and tablets to have replaceable batteries by 2027. The key word here is “replaceable,” meaning device manufacturers will need to ensure that consumers are able to replace the device’s batteries—so tools must be made available, as well as instructions for guidance and safety information.
The regulation will apply to all batteries including all waste portable batteries, as well as batteries for electric vehicles, industrial uses, light transportation (for instance, electric bikes), and more. The intention of the regulation is to promote sustainability for batteries and waste batteries. It will regulate the entire life cycle of the batteries, from production to reuse and recycling. Targets for recovery from waste batteries are also spelled out.
“End-of-life batteries contain many valuable resources, and we must be able to reuse those critical raw materials, instead of relying on third countries for supplies. The new rules will promote the competitiveness of European industry and ensure new batteries are sustainable and contribute to the green transition,” stated Teresa Ribera, Spanish minister for the ecological transition.
Moreover, by 2027, portable batteries in appliances will need to be removable and replaceable by the user. So, manufacturers of goods sold within the EU have a few years to alter their designs if necessary to comply.