EU Battery Passport in Effect: What New Hurdles Do LiPo Batteries Face When Exporting to Europe?

The European Union's new battery regulations, especially the implementation of the Battery Passport system, have brought significant 

changes to the global battery market. For Chinese LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery manufacturers eyeing the European market, understanding 

these new requirements is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and ensuring market access.

Battery Passport: A New Mandatory Requirement

Starting from February 18, 2027, certain types of batteries, including Light Mobility Vehicle (LMT) batteries, industrial batteries with a capacity 

greater than 2 kWh, and electric vehicle batteries, must be equipped with an electronic record - the Battery Passport. Although the specific 

application scope of LiPo batteries needs to be determined according to their actual usage scenarios (such as whether they are used in small 

- scale light - duty vehicles or some industrial equipment), once they fall within the regulated category, compliance is mandatory.

The Battery Passport contains a wealth of information, including details of the battery's raw material extraction, material composition, carbon 

footprint throughout its life cycle, and supply chain traceability data. This information transparency requirement aims to promote sustainable 

development in the battery industry, from ensuring the ethical sourcing of raw materials to reducing environmental impact during production 

and disposal.

Stringent Carbon Footprint Regulations

Carbon footprint requirements are another major hurdle. For LiPo batteries used in electric vehicles, LMTs, or large - capacity industrial 

applications, manufacturers must calculate and report the carbon footprint of their products. This calculation should be based on the basic 

elements provided in Annex II of the EU's new battery regulations and comply with the latest EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) 

methods and Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRS).

For example, from February 18, 2025, electric vehicle battery manufacturers are required to disclose carbon footprint information. By 

February 18, 2027, carbon footprint classification limits will come into effect, and batteries exceeding the set thresholds will be prohibited 

from entering the European market. This means that LiPo battery manufacturers need to optimize their production processes, from raw 

material procurement to manufacturing and transportation, to reduce carbon emissions. Using renewable energy sources during production, 

optimizing logistics routes, and reducing packaging waste can all contribute to meeting carbon footprint requirements.

Recyclability and Recovery Rate Demands

The EU's new battery regulations also place high demands on the recyclability and recovery rates of batteries. Manufacturers are required to 

ensure that batteries are designed for easy disassembly and recycling. For LiPo batteries, this may involve re - evaluating the choice of 

materials and structural design to facilitate the separation and recovery of valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel during the 

recycling process.

Specific recovery rate targets have been set. For example, by 2028, for electric vehicle batteries and certain industrial batteries containing 

active materials such as cobalt, lead, lithium, and nickel, the percentage of these materials recovered from waste batteries must reach a 

certain level. By 2036, these targets will be further increased. Manufacturers need to establish or cooperate with efficient recycling systems 

to ensure that waste LiPo batteries can be properly recycled and that the recovery of valuable materials meets regulatory requirements.

Compliance with Restricted Substances Regulations

LiPo batteries must comply with the EU's regulations on restricted substances. This includes meeting the requirements of the REACH 

(Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation (EC/1907/2006) Annex XVII and the End - of - Life Vehicles 

Directive (2000/53/EC) Article 4(2)(a). The mercury content in all batteries must not exceed 0.0005%, and for portable LiPo batteries (except 

for emergency and medical use), the cadmium content must not exceed 0.002%, and the lead content must not exceed 0.01%. Manufacturers 

need to carefully select raw materials and production processes to ensure that their LiPo batteries meet these strict substance - restriction 

requirements.

In conclusion, with the implementation of the EU's Battery Passport and other new battery regulations, LiPo battery manufacturers exporting 

to Europe need to comprehensively upgrade their product design, production processes, supply chain management, and recycling systems. 

Only by proactively adapting to these new requirements can they continue to access and thrive in the European market. For many enterprises, 

this means investing in digital tools to track supply chain data for the Battery Passport, partnering with renewable energy providers to cut 

carbon emissions, and collaborating with recycling firms to build closed - loop systems. Additionally, staying updated on potential adjustments 

to EU regulations—such as expanded scope for LiPo batteries in consumer electronics—is essential to avoid last - minute compliance gaps. 

By treating these new hurdles as opportunities to enhance sustainability and transparency, manufacturers can not only meet EU standards 

but also gain a competitive edge in a market increasingly focused on eco - friendly products.