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EU Battery Regulation in 2025: Key developments and implementation update

Feb 05, 2026 Sustainability

The EU Battery Regulation concerning batteries and waste batteries, officially called the “Regulation (EU) 2023/1542" includes a new set of rules with which the European Union aims to make batteries more safe, sustainable and circular from the sourcing of materials to their collection, recycling and repurposing. The regulation went into force in August 2023, with several years of secondary legislative activities for the implementation of the regulation.

The year 2025 marked a significant phase in the implementation of the EU Batteries Regulation. Following its formal entry into force, the focus shifted from legislative approval to operationalisation, with a number of technical rules and guidance documents emerging to clarify compliance requirements. While certain obligations, most notably battery due diligence, were postponed, progress on implementing measures continued, and companies are advised to begin preparing for upcoming requirements.
One of the most important developments in 2025 was the postponement of the battery due diligence obligations for 2 years. These rules, originally scheduled to apply earlier, have been delayed, with Commission guidelines now expected in July 2026. The postponement reflects the need for more detailed guidance, verified methodologies, and adequate time for companies to align their supply chains. Importantly, companies are expected to use this time proactively to prepare. Early preparation on supply-chain mapping, risk identification, and internal governance will ensure a smoother transition when the due diligence obligations come into force.
Technical implementation also advanced across several areas. The delegated act establishing the methodology for calculating and verifying the carbon footprint of electric vehicle batteries is still in draft and has not yet been formally adopted as we write. Companies are advised to begin preparing by developing lifecycle assessment capabilities, collecting supplier data, and establishing verification-ready documentation processes. Early preparation will be key to meeting future carbon footprint declaration requirements for market access
Other key guidance and implementing measures were published in 2025. The Commission’s guidelines on the removability and replaceability of portable and light transport batteries provide practical instructions for complying with design requirements, ensuring batteries can be safely replaced or serviced.
Additional preparatory work also progressed throughout the year. Draft technical documents and impact assessments for battery labelling specifications became available, and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) published technical support reports to define minimum performance and durability requirements for industrial batteries under Article 10. Furthermore, the delegated act establishing the methodology for calculating and verifying recycling efficiency and material recovery rates, as well as the required documentation format, was published.
In summary, 2025 was a year of significant regulatory development and technical preparation. Companies are encouraged to view these developments as an opportunity to get ready for upcoming compliance requirements. Early action on carbon footprint data collection, supply-chain mapping, design for removability, recycling documentation, and labelling readiness will be essential to ensure smooth compliance as the regulation’s technical measures take effect in 2026 and beyond.
In 2026, key requirements of the EU Batteries Regulation will continue to become operational. Companies should prepare for the carbon footprint methodology for EV batteries, the due diligence guidelines, battery labelling, recycled content, and minimum performance standards.
Looking further ahead, preparation for the Digital Battery Passport is essential, as it will become mandatory in February 2027. Early planning now ensures smooth compliance and readiness, have a look to our EU battery regulations website to see how DEKRA can support.
Understanding the EU Battery Regulation
The new EU Battery Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2023/154, sets stricter requirements for sustainability, safety and performance across all battery types, including EV and energy storage batteries. Looking to navigate what the new EU Battery Regulation means for your business? Explore our dedicated page for key focus areas, timelines, and affected sectors—and see how DEKRA can help streamline your compliance journey.
Explore the EU Battery Regulation
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