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Published - 11 November 2025 - 5 min read

The European Union Battery Regulation (EUBR): Setting the Global Benchmark for Sustainability

Europe is constantly pushing towards sustainability and the circular economy. Adopting Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 marks one of the turning points for battery industry policy across Europe. This regulation changes the game, embedding sustainability and circularity into battery design, manufacture, use, and end-of-life management.

With its broad scope, ranging from raw material sourcing to end-of-life management, the Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 positions the European Union not only as a regional leader but also as a potential global standard-setter.


What the Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 Covers

This regulation replaces the previous directive and applies uniformly across all member states, eliminating transposition differences and providing a consistent legal framework. It classifies batteries into five main categories: portable batteries, starting/lighting/ignition (SLI) batteries, light means of transport (LMT) batteries, electric-vehicle (EV) batteries, and industrial batteries. Each category has specific obligations.

The goal here is to reduce the environmental footprint with battery passports, reduce carbon emissions, and confront human rights and environmental challenges.

Key requirements include:

  • Carbon-footprint declarations and recycled-content minimums.
  • Due diligence obligations for sourcing raw materials like cobalt, lithium, and nickel.
  • Labelling, CE marking, and a unique digital Battery Passport for larger batteries (EV, industrial, LMT) by 2027.
  • Performance, durability, and safety criteria, including removability/replaceability of certain batteries.


Why the EU Regulation Could Become the Global Standard

The regulation’s format as a directly applicable regulation means it takes effect across all EU member states without national implementation lag. That consistency makes it attractive as a blueprint for other regions.

For companies operating internationally, aligning with the EU standard means being prepared for multiple global markets simultaneously. For regulators in other regions, the EU framework offers a tested example of integrating sustainability, circular economy, and safety into one package.

As global trade in batteries and battery-powered products expands, the regulation’s influence extends beyond Europe’s borders, potentially harmonising expectations and standards worldwide.


Impacts on Industry and Supply Chains

Manufacturers, importers, distributors and recyclers all bear responsibilities under the new regulation. Supply-chain management becomes critical; data on materials, performance, and recycling must flow through the chain reliably.

The regulation encourages companies to design for circularity, improved recyclability, and adopt transparent business models that support the broader goals of reducing carbon footprints and enhancing resource efficiency in the battery industry.


Challenges to Global Adoption

Despite its strength, several difficulties challenge the regulation from becoming a universal benchmark. Different markets have different regulatory environments, and global industries may find it costlier to align with multiple standards.

Data systems and digital traceability tools need to scale and integrate across regions. Smaller manufacturers and suppliers may struggle to meet the new requirements without support. Nonetheless, as more regions observe the EU approach and consider its principles, the regulation may gradually shape global practice.


How the BASE Project Supports Implementation

At BASE Project, we are developing an interoperable Digital Battery Passport (DBP) that aligns with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542’s ambitions. Our platform captures lifecycle data, material flows, carbon-footprint indicators, and circular economy metrics for batteries from design through second life to end-of-life recycling.

We’re working closely with industry stakeholders, regulators and suppliers to ensure that the DBP is not just compliant but a practical tool that supports transparency, circular business practices, and international scalability. Our work helps companies transition from meeting regulatory requirements to leading in circular practices.


Closing Thoughts

The EU’s Batteries Regulation represents more than a regional policy initiative. It offers a comprehensive model for how modern economies can regulate batteries to be safe, sustainable and circular.

For companies, aligning with this regulation means preparing for the future of the battery industry. For global policy makers, it offers a benchmark that others may adopt or adapt.

With the support of initiatives such as the BASE Project, the potential for the regulation to become a global standard is growing. When the regulation is implemented effectively, it will move battery systems from mere compliance to genuine circular transformation.


The BASE project has received funding from the Horizon Europe Framework Programme (HORIZON) Research and Innovation Actions under grant agreement No. 101157200.


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