EU Battery Regulation: Carbon Footprint and Digital Battery Passport Requirements
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
In force since February 18, 2024 (phased: CFP declaration from 2025, Passport from February 2027)
Overview
The EU Battery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542) is a directly applicable regulation that comprehensively governs the entire lifecycle of every battery placed on the EU market. Two requirements have particularly significant practical impact on companies: carbon footprint (CFP) disclosure and classification, and the Digital Battery Passport (DBP).
For electric vehicle batteries, light means of transport (LMT) batteries, and industrial batteries above 2 kWh, companies must quantitatively calculate and disclose CO2 emissions from the manufacturing process, obtain third-party verification, and equip each battery with a digital passport — accessible via QR code — covering its history, material composition, and supply chain information, including human rights and environmental due diligence.
Enforcement Timeline
August 17, 2023: The EU Battery Regulation ((EU) 2023/1542) enters into force.
2025: Carbon Footprint Declarations become mandatory for EV batteries and industrial batteries.
2026: CFP performance classes and maximum-value limits are progressively introduced.
February 18, 2027: The Digital Battery Passport (with QR code) becomes mandatory for individual industrial batteries above 2 kWh, LMT batteries, and EV batteries.
Business Impact
Battery cell and pack manufacturers, automakers, and energy storage system operators must establish a CFP calculation process based on detailed primary data — from raw material sourcing (lithium, cobalt, nickel, and similar materials) through manufacturing and transport — and connect that data to the required digital platforms.