A year of CE marking batteries

The introduction of mandatory CE marking for batteries in August 2024 marked a major shift for manufacturing industries.  This was the first serious attempt to bring all types of batteries, including portable, industrial, electric vehicle (EV) and light means of transport (LMT) under a single framework.  Over a year on, UK battery manufacturer Accutronics Ltd (an Ultralife company) reflects on what’s changed and how the industry has responded.

The goal of CE marking was simple in theory: ensuring all batteries placed on the EU market comply with the EU Battery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542).  However, the requirements that are necessary to comply with this regulation are slowly being rolled out, with labelling updates needed by August 2026, battery passports coming into force in 2027 for certain battery types and recycled content thresholds being enforced in 2031.

For manufacturers, this first year has been about more than applying a new label.  It has required manufacturers to start planning for the imminent additional phases and think about how batteries are designed, documented and delivered.  From supply chain transparency to new testing and labelling standards, the regulation has reshaped expectations across the entire sector.  At Accutronics, we’ve spent the last year navigating these changes while supporting customers through the transition.

Establishing a common standard

Traditionally, the battery industry lacked any unified approach to conformity and traceability.  In contrast, the new framework brings much-needed structure – standardising how batteries are tested, labelled and documented. It also enhances accountability.  Manufacturers must now show that their products meet defined safety, environmental and performance standards and are recyclable and clearly marked for end-of-life management.

The regulation divides batteries into five categories. This distinction avoids a “one-size-fits-all” approach, placing stricter demands on large, high-energy batteries such as those used in EVs, while allowing lighter obligations for some smaller, portable cells.  However, this distinction has also caused confusion.  Some customers initially believed they needed to comply with measures such as the digital battery passport, but this only comes into effect in 2027 for electric vehicle (EV), light means of transport (LMT) and industrial batteries (over 2kWh).  Once we sat down and clarified which rules applied to which battery types, managing compliance became simpler.

Lessons from the first year

It has been over a year since the initial rollout of the CE mark and the experiences of manufacturers and customers have been mixed, to say the least.  Some companies – the early adopters – were quick to act, familiarising themselves with the new guidelines and futureproofing their products.  Meanwhile, others are still catching up — a few are keen to become compliant early, while some are yet to put the processes in place. Ideally, we’d like to see everyone moving forward at the same pace, but that’s not yet happening.

The first phases have shown us how demanding the process can be, particularly around documentation, testing and supply chain transparency.  Smaller manufacturers seem to have found this more challenging, while larger firms with more resources – or even dedicated compliance departments – have adjusted more easily.

The practical challenges

It’s safe to say that staying compliant with the requirements needed for CE marking is proving more challenging than it first appeared.  Labelling is a good example.  Updating labels to add more product information might sound simple enough, but as the 2026 deadline approaches, it’s becoming a hot topic for those of us in the industry.

From 18 August 2026, manufacturers must display up to ten pieces of information on each battery - covering voltage, capacity, weight, manufacturer details, critical raw materials and even the correct type of fire extinguisher to use in case of a fire.  Products must also display QR codes that direct users to performance data, declarations of conformity and end-of-life guidance.

Physically fitting all that information on small battery housings – alongside a CE mark and a QR code – is a genuine design challenge.  And, while these details are important for safety and traceability reasons, they will ultimately require changes to the label design and manufacturing process.  Time will tell how manufacturers respond.

We’ve also seen more customer requests for information about the materials used in our packs.  Understandably, many want reassurance that restricted substances aren’t present, particularly as the new regulation tightens limits beyond previous ROHS thresholds.  For us, this has meant additional verification and testing to confirm full compliance, but it’s a positive step — the regulation is pushing the whole industry toward greater supply chain transparency and due diligence.

Looking ahead

It’s still the early days of the EU Battery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542) but, even in the first year, implementing CE marks has made a difference.  We’re seeing more consistent standards, greater awareness of end-of-life responsibilities and an increased focus on transparency across the supply chain.

As manufacturers prepare for the months and years ahead, compliance won’t be about meeting deadlines – it will be about improving quality, safety and sustainability throughout product lifecycles and supply chains.  As the EU Battery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542) continues to evolve, those who start preparing early and embed compliance into their design and documentation from the outset will be the ones who adapt most smoothly.

The first year of CE marking has shown that change doesn’t happen overnight, but it is happening.  And as the industry continues to adjust, the result will be a safer, more responsible and better-regulated market for everyone involved.

This inaugural stage has also been a learning curve for the battery industry, highlighting both challenges and opportunities.  Compliance requires effort in design, documentation and supply chain transparency, but it is driving higher standards, which can only be positive.  Looking ahead, manufacturers who embrace these changes early and integrate them into their processes will be best positioned to navigate future requirements.

To find out how Accutronics can help with your custom battery or charger product, please contact us.