The toxic metal lead would be generally banned in the European Union under a European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recommendation sent Wednesday to the European Commission, the bloc's executive.
The general ban on lead would cause challenges but was justified by “the risks posed The toxic metal lead would be generally banned in the European Union under a European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recommendation sent Wednesday to the European Commission, the bloc's executive.
Which batteries are not covered by the EU directive?
The directive does not cover batteries used in equipment to protect EU countries' security or for military purposes, or in equipment designed to be sent into space. With some exceptions for portable batteries used in emergency and alarm systems or medical equipment.
Owing to the strategic importance of batteries for the EU, in October 2017 the European Commission set up the European Battery Alliance to support the scaling up of innovative solutions and manufacturing capacity in Europe.
When did the EU adopt a battery regulation?
Parliament approved the agreed text on 14 June 2023. The regulation was published in the EU Official Journal on 28 July 2023. Procedure completed. The issue of batteries is relevant to many policy areas, from transport, climate action and energy to waste and resources.
The Regulation entered into force on 17 August 2023 and repeals the Batteries Directive (Directive 2006/66/EC). It continues to restrict the use of mercury and cadmium in batteries and introduces a restriction for lead in portable batteries. It also aims to: reduce environmental and social impacts throughout the entire battery life cycle.
Between 90 % and 100 % of lead is recovered, with most Member States reporting rates of 97 % and higher. The average collection rate for portable batteries in the EU is much lower. In 2018, nearly 48 % of portable batteries sold in the EU were collected for recycling. This means that large amounts of valuable resources are lost.