ECHA Implements New Measures to Enhance Battery Safety

Helsinki, 17 August 2023 – As part of the modernization of the EU’s battery regulatory framework, ECHA has received new projects to assist the European Commission in its operations. As part of this project, the Office will help improve a Commission report on substances of concern found in batteries or utilized in their assembly. These substances adversely affect human health, the environment, or the use of safe and high-quality raw materials for reuse/recycling.

The European Commission will rely on ECHA to identify substances of concern within batteries or used in their manufacture. It will also prepare recommendations for restricting certain substances in batteries. Through this initiative, batteries on the EEA market will be more sustainable for the entire battery lifecycle.

It is necessary for Europe to upgrade its batteries in order to move toward clean energy. They are also crucial to the European automobile industry. There is an expected increase of 14 folds in global interest in batteries by 2030. A revised Batteries Guideline was proposed by the European Commission in 2020 in order to limit the ecological effects of this development and to take into account changes in public opinion, new technological developments, markets, and battery purposes.

The Batteries Order (Directive 2006/66/EC) was repealed by the Guideline on 17 August 2023. The law limits the use of mercury and cadmium in batteries, as well as lead in compact batteries.

It also intends to:

• Enhance the interior market by guaranteeing a level playing field through the use of a common set of guidelines.
• Encourage the development of a roundabout economy.
• Reducing ecological and social effects throughout the battery lifecycle.

 
ECHA’s EU assistance:

It is anticipated that by 31 December 2027, the EU will recognize the substances and consider follow-up measures, such as possible EU-wide restrictions. ECHA normally begins work on this report in 2024. We have a compliance specialist who is well trained and knowledgeable about Lead and other hazardous substances, and the regulations they fall under under ECHA and EU regulations.

It is also possible that the Commission will request that ECHA prepare a proposal on the limitation of destructive substances found in batteries and in waste batteries. Furthermore, the Organization will assess, through its Councils for Hazard Evaluation and Financial Examination, the viability of the limitation proposition in dealing with the gamble. It will also assess its impact on society.

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