In this article, we list different types of batteries covered by the EU Battery Directive 2006/66/EC, including lithium batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, button cell batteries, and other types of batteries. In addition, we also list relevant EN standards.

What is the Battery Directive?

The Battery Directive covers both heavy metals restrictions and labeling requirements. In addition, its scope also includes collection and recycling.

Lithium Batteries

The Battery Directive regulates lithium batteries including lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries and lithium metal batteries sold in the EU market. For instance, it sets limits for the use of hazardous substances used in lithium batteries.

Notice that lithium batteries are not covered under the RoHS Directive, and the restricted level of hazardous substances such as mercury, and cadmium, shall comply with the Battery Directive instead.

EN standards

• EN 60086-4 – Safety of lithium batteries
• EN 62133 – Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells

Examples

• Lithium-ion battery product
• Lithium-ion polymer battery product
• Lithium metal battery product

Nickel-Cadmium Batteries

Nickel-Cadmium batteries are rechargeable batteries commonly used for portable devices such as video cameras and emergency lighting. A Nickel-Cadmium battery is considered a sealed battery and it is covered under the Battery Directives.

The recycling processes of Nickel-cadmium batteries are also specified by the Battery Directive. For instance, Nickel-cadmium batteries must meet a minimum of 75% by average weight for recycling which is slightly higher than other batteries (50% in general).

EN standards

• EN 2985 – Nickel-cadmium batteries of format A type
• EN 2991 – Nickel-cadmium batteries of format E type
• EN 2993 – Nickel-cadmium batteries of format F type

Examples

• Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for portable devices
• Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for camcorders
• Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for remote cars

Button Cell Batteries

Non-rechargeable batteries such as button cell batteries are classified as portable batteries and regulated by the Battery Directive aiming at improving the environmental performance and the waste management of batteries.

Button cell batteries are widely used in hearing aids, watches, calculators, and other portable devices. Button cell batteries shall not contain an excessive amount of restricted substances in order to prevent health risks to customers.

EN standards

• EN 62133 – Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells
• EN 61951 – Secondary sealed cells and batteries for portable application

Examples

• Silver button cell batteries
• Zinc-air button cell batteries
• Mercury button cell batteries

Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline batteries can be found in many household items including remote controls, weights, alarm clocks, and toys. The Battery Directive set limits on the substances present on Alkaline batteries to ensure the safety requirements for regular use.

For instance, Alkaline batteries shall comply with the requirements of substance restricted (e.g mercury or cadmium) under the Battery Directive. Meanwhile, if your Alkaline batteries contain more than the restricted amount of hazardous substances, then you shall label the corresponding chemical symbol on the batteries.

EN standards

• EN 61959 – Mechanical tests for sealed secondary alkaline batteries
• EN 61434 – Standards designation of current in alkaline secondary cell and batteries

Examples

• AA Alkaline batteries
• AAA Alkaline batteries
• C Alkaline batteries
• D Alkaline batteries
• N Alkaline batteries

Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries can be used in applications such as automotive, lighting, and backup power. The Battery Directive sets requirements for the lead-acid batteries’ recycling process, and hazardous substance contained.

For example, the Battery Directive requires that the recycling processes of lead-acid batteries must achieve a minimum efficiency of 65%, and the batteries must be removable from appliances.

EN standards

• EN 61056 – General requirements for lead-acid batteries
• EN 60896 – General requirements for stationary lead-acid batteries

Examples

• Flooded lead-acid batteries
• Sealed lead-acid batteries
• Deep cycle lead-acid batteries

Automotive Batteries

Various types of batteries can be applied to your vehicles such as starting, lighting and ignition batteries. All automotive batteries are also regulated by the Battery Directive to ensure safety and recycling performance.

Compare with other batteries, automotive batteries have a larger size in general, therefore they are not easy to collect or recycle. As such, there is no collection target for automotive batteries under the directive, as they are mainly collected by car dismantling factories.

EN standards

• EN 62840 – Safety requirements for electric vehicle battery swap system
• EN 50604 – General safety requirements and test methods for batteries of light electric vehicle

Examples

• Deep cycle batteries
• Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries
• Flooded batteries

Industrial Batteries

Unlike the batteries used in consumer applications, industrial batteries are required to be more rugged and capable of self-powering. They are designed exclusively for use in an industrial environment.

Certain types of batteries are used as industrial batteries, such as lead-acid batteries and Nickel-cadmium batteries. Among all types of industrial batteries, 96% of the industry in the EU use lead-acid batteries for power supply.

EN standards

• EN 62620 – Secondary lithium batteries for use in industrial applications
• EN 62619 – Safety requirements for secondary alkaline for use in industrial applications

Examples

• Vented lead-acid batteries
• Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries
• Nickel-cadmium batteries
• Alkaline storage batteries
• Lithium storage batteries

Products Exempted from the Battery Directive

The Battery Directive applies to most batteries placed on the EU market. However, some batteries are not covered by the Battery Directive, as they are covered by other directives or regulations due to its application.

Here we list some examples:

• Fuel-cells batteries
• Classical capacitors
• Super-capacitors

Additional Resources

1. The EU Battery Directive

2. Electronic Product Regulations in the European Union

3. Amazon Electronics Requirements For Sellers