As of August 18, 2025, a new EU regulation on batteries will come into force. This means major changes for companies that handle batteries in Sweden. The new rules mean stricter requirements for producer responsibility, collection and recycling of batteries, and will affect the entire supply chain. This includes everything from manufacturers and importers to transporters of batteries and battery waste.
What do the new rules mean for batteries?
The new battery regulation is being introduced as a step towards improving recycling, reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy. Here are some key points:
- Producer responsibility:
Anyone who manufactures, imports or sells batteries in Sweden will need to register with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. This applies to both regular batteries and special batteries used in electric cars and other means of transport. Companies must take responsibility for their products throughout their entire life cycle, from manufacturing to recycling. They can either fulfil their obligations themselves or through an approved producer responsibility organisation. - Product passport and increased transparency:
Batteries should have a product passport that provides information about their composition, recycling options and any hazardous substances. This increases transparency and makes it easier for end users and recyclers to handle batteries safely. - Increased collection and recycling targets:
New EU rules mean that the collection of used batteries will be more structured. Companies that sell batteries must ensure that their products are recycled in an environmentally friendly way, and new recycling targets are set to achieve higher recycling rates.
The new regulation does not directly affect the actual transportation of batteries in practice, but rather the rules regarding how batteries are handled, recycled and the responsibility that producers have for their products.
However, for companies involved in the battery transportation chain, it is still crucial to understand the regulatory framework to ensure both safety and compliance with laws and regulations.
According to international regulations, batteries are classified as dangerous goods. This means that shipments must be properly marked, with the right labels and signs, and that personnel must be trained in handling dangerous goods. Following the regulations is crucial to minimizing risks during transportation, both for those transporting the batteries and for the environment.
The following regulations exist for each mode of transport:
ADR – transport of dangerous goods by road (Click here to read more)
RID – transport of dangerous goods by rail (Click here to read more)
IMDG – transport of dangerous goods by sea (Click here to read more)
IATA – transport of dangerous goods by air (Click here to read more)
For more information about the new rules and how they affect companies in Sweden, visit the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's official page on producer responsibility for batteries.
