Commission seeks views on additional exemptions to portable batteries removability rules

The European Commission launched a public consultation today (28 April) on new rules setting out additional product exemptions from EU requirements on the removability and replaceability of portable batteries.

Under the EU's Batteries Regulation, portable batteries in products sold in the EU must generally be removable and replaceable by consumers. This requirement helps extend products' lifetime by allowing battery replacements and supports recycling by making it easier to collect used batteries.

However, some products, such as medical devices and so-called "wet appliances" (for example, toothbrushes or water flossers), are exempt from this requirement, mainly for safety reasons. In these cases, batteries only need to be removable and replaceable by independent professionals.

The Commission is now proposing to add six new product categories to the list of exemptions. This includes wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, electric toys, and products within the scope of the ATEX Directive (equipment used in explosive atmospheres such as explosion-proof motors, sensors, pumps or forklift trucks).

The consultation is open to all interested parties, including citizens, businesses, non-governmental organisations, public authorities and academia. All stakeholders are invited to share their views on the draft legislation by 26 May.

The new rules will take the form of a delegated act under the Batteries Regulation.

The Commission is also planning to update the existing guidelines on the removability and replaceability of portable batteries to guide product manufacturers on applying the new derogations.

Background

To identify candidate products for additional derogations, the Commission launched a call for applications in 2025. It consulted consumer associations, industry stakeholders and Member States and worked with external experts to assess the technical merits of the applications received.

In preparing this legislation, the Commission has sought to balance the interests of various stakeholders, including consumers, third-party repairers, product and battery manufacturers, as well as the recycling sector. Small lithium-ion batteries which have not been disposed of correctly are causing an increasing number of fires in waste treatment plants. This must be considered before granting exemptions for products containing such batteries.

More information

Batteries Regulation: List of products exempted from the general removability and replaceability requirements | Have Your Say

Batteries | European Commission

Report: Technical support to the adoption of delegated acts and Commission reports related to the new Batteries Regulation between 2024 and 2027 | European Commission

Guidelines to facilitate the harmonised application of provisions on the removability and replaceability of portable batteries and LMT batteries in Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (Commission Notice C/2025/214) | EUR-Lex