New task for ECHA to make batteries safer

ECHA/NR/23/20

ECHA will support the European Commission in identifying substances of concern found in batteries or used in their manufacturing. It will also prepare proposals to restrict substances in batteries. The aim is to make batteries on the EEA market more sustainable throughout their lifecycle.

Helsinki, 17 August 2023 – With the modernisation of the EU’s regulatory framework for batteries, ECHA has received new tasks to support the European Commission. The Agency will assist in the development of a Commission report into substances of concern found in batteries or used in their manufacturing, that have negative impacts on human health, the environment or recycling for safe and high-quality raw materials.

The report, expected by 31 December 2027, will identify the substances and consider follow-up measures, such as possible Union-wide restrictions. It is expected that ECHA will begin its work toward this report in 2024.

Additionally, the Commission may request ECHA to prepare restriction proposals on harmful substances in batteries and waste batteries. The Agency will also provide an opinion, through its committees for Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis, on the restriction proposal’s effectiveness in managing the risk and its impact on society.

Background

The Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 concerning batteries and waste batteries, amending Directive 2008/98/EC and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Directive 2006/66/EC entered into force on 17 August 2023.

Press contact: Hanna-Kaisa Torkkeli, press@echa.europa.eu, +358 50 416 8585