Germany Proposes Legislation to Align National Battery Law with EU Regulations
Berlin, Germany – August 6, 2025 – In a significant move towards harmonizing national legislation with European Union directives, the German Bundestag has published a draft law aimed at adapting the country’s battery regulations to the provisions of the new EU Regulation 2023/1542. The proposed legislation, officially designated as the “Gesetzentwurf Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Anpassung des Batterierechts an die Verordnung (EU) 2023/1542 (Batterierecht-EU-Anpassungsgesetz – Batt-EU-AnpG),” was published today, marking a crucial step in Germany’s commitment to a more sustainable and circular economy for batteries.
The draft law, identified as Drucksache 21/1150, seeks to transpose the comprehensive requirements of the EU’s Battery Regulation into German law. This regulation, adopted by the European Union, introduces a wide range of measures designed to improve the environmental sustainability of batteries throughout their entire lifecycle, from production and use to end-of-life management. Key objectives include promoting the circular economy, reducing the environmental impact of battery production, and ensuring the safe and responsible handling of battery waste.
Among the anticipated changes and areas of focus within the proposed German legislation are likely to be:
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The German law is expected to strengthen the responsibilities of battery producers by implementing robust extended producer responsibility schemes. This would likely involve obligations for producers to finance and organize the collection, treatment, and recycling of batteries at their end-of-life.
- Circularity and Sustainability Requirements: The legislation will likely incorporate the EU’s stipulations regarding the sustainability of batteries, including requirements for recycled content in new batteries. This aims to reduce reliance on primary raw materials and encourage the reuse of valuable resources.
- Due Diligence and Supply Chain Transparency: In line with the EU Regulation, the German adaptation is anticipated to include due diligence obligations for battery manufacturers and importers to ensure ethical and sustainable sourcing of raw materials, such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel.
- Battery Passport and Digital Record-Keeping: The draft law may introduce provisions for a “battery passport,” a digital record that will accompany batteries throughout their lifecycle, providing detailed information on their composition, origin, and environmental footprint. This will enhance traceability and support recycling efforts.
- Specific Provisions for Different Battery Types: The legislation is expected to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by various battery types, including portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, and industrial batteries. This may involve tailored collection and recycling targets for each category.
- Consumer Information and Labelling: Measures to improve consumer awareness and facilitate the proper disposal of batteries are also likely to be included. This could involve updated labelling requirements and clearer instructions for battery collection.
The publication of this draft law signifies Germany’s proactive approach to implementing EU environmental policy. By aligning its national battery laws with the EU Battery Regulation, Germany aims to foster a more competitive and sustainable battery market, support the transition to electromobility, and contribute to the EU’s ambitious climate goals.
The legislative process will now involve further scrutiny and debate within the Bundestag, with opportunities for amendments and input from various stakeholders. The successful passage and implementation of the Batt-EU-AnpG will be a crucial step in ensuring Germany’s continued leadership in environmental protection and sustainable industrial practices.
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Drucksachen published ’21/1150: Gesetzentwurf Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Anpassung des Batterierechts an die Verordnung (EU) 2023/1542 (Batterierecht-EU-Anpassungsgesetz – Batt-EU-AnpG) (PDF)’ at 2025-08-06 10:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.