Battery Regulation: The European Commission notifies draft text on battery label format and specifications
Mandatory QR code, priority order of markings, standard fonts and sizes: what’s changing and how to prepare for the new requirements under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
12 Jan 2026The European Commission has released a draft implementing regulation detailing the harmonised format and specifications for battery labels as required by Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.
This is not yet an adopted text; it has been circulated for consultation and notified to the WTO for international review.
The core of the implementing regulation is the QR code, which becomes the key to reconciling comprehensive information with space limitations. When the battery’s surface does not allow all required information to be displayed, the draft regulation sets a clear priority order:
- QR code (linking to the full digital version of the label),
- separate collection symbol,
- symbols for any heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Pb),
- “non-rechargeable” pictogram, and only then
- physical labelling with general data.
For products where the battery is not visible or is integrated, the QR code is explicitly required and, if placed on the product surface, must be accompanied by a “battery” icon.
Regarding the information to be indicated, the draft aligns the different categories (non-rechargeable portable, rechargeable portable/SLI/LMT, EV and industrial) around a common core: manufacturer details and unique identifier (model/lot), place and date of manufacture, mass, electrochemical composition according to harmonised nomenclature, presence of substances subject to restriction (other than lead, cadmium and mercury) or classified as hazardous under the CLP Regulation, suitable extinguishing agent in case of fire, and critical raw materials above threshold.
Additional elements apply to each specific battery category.
The proposal also addresses graphic presentation to ensure both readability and durability: it specifies the font to use, sets minimum text sizes and margins, and requires the label to cover at least 5% of the largest printable or markable surface.
Moreover, the handling of the manufacturing date varies by battery category, and the draft emphasises multilingualism and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The draft implementing regulation has set the process in motion; it will take effect 18 months after adoption by the European Commission and publication in the Official Journal, as stated in Article 13(10) of the Battery Regulation.