At the end of last year, it was confirmed that from December 2024, 12, small consumer electronic devices sold in the EU will be required toUSB-C must be used as the charging interfaceIn addition, the European Parliament earlier issued a temporary proposal requiring mobile phones, electric scooters and other portable consumer electronic products to allow consumers to easily replace batteries.Pass relevant amendments, will stipulate that 3C and portable consumer electronic products must allow consumers to easily remove or replace batteries.
The amendment was passed with 587 votes in favor, 9 votes against, and 20 abstentions. It will then take effect after formal approval by the European Council and will be announced through the Official Journal of the European Union.
The relevant amendments not only explicitly allow consumers to repair electronic products themselves in a simpler and lower-cost manner, but also include regulations on battery handling methods from design and production to subsequent recycling and disposal, including minimum limits and targets for battery recycling volumes.
The battery design of 3C and portable consumer electronic products will be required to be easily removable and replaceable by consumers, so that consumers can replace and repair them themselves. At the same time, it is clearly stipulated that the recycling rate of discarded batteries of small electronic devices must reach 45% this year, 2027% in 63, and must increase to 2030% in 73.
In addition, the recycling of internal components of the battery also stipulates minimum proportions. For example, copper must reach 16%, lead must reach 84%, and the proportions of lithium and nickel must both reach 6%. As for all batteries, they must be able to be recycled free of charge through recycling points established by the manufacturer.
As for batteries used in electric scooters, electric assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles or industrial equipment, the European Parliament has also developed a relevant recycling plan, which includes battery labeling, digital battery passports, and carbon footprint declarations, and also requires manufacturers or importers to perform due diligence.
In addition to batteries for consumer electronics, the new EU law also covers batteries for light means of transport (LMT, such as electric bicycles and motorcycles), electric vehicles, and industrial batteries. It also sets recycling targets, as well as regulations such as carbon footprint declaration and labeling, digital battery passports, and due diligence for manufacturers or importers.
