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The Battery Act (Batteriegesetz or BattG) is one of the most important environmental regulations for companies selling battery products in Germany. Those companies must comply with specifications that govern the marketing, collection, and recycling of all types of batteries. This applies to portable batteries as well as industrial and automotive batteries. They all need to be disposed of and recycled responsibly to protect our environment. The BattG transposes the European Battery Directive 2006/66/EC into national law.
Battery Compliance in Germany
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Core requirements
The German Battery Act is based on the principle of extended producer responsibility. This principle ensures that manufacturers and distributors of products or packaging take responsibility for their entire life cycle – including correct disposal and recycling after use by consumers.
One of the core requirements of the BattG is the registration with the German “Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register (EAR)”, before placing batteries on the market. Products must be labelled with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol and, if applicable, with chemical symbols indicating the presence of hazardous substances. In addition, obligated parties must offer consumers the option of returning used batteries free of charge. Regular reports must be submitted on the quantities placed on the market and the quantities taken back.
Key BattG obligations include:
- Registration with “Stiftung EAR” before market entry
- Correct labelling of all battery products
- Accessible take-back systems for consumers
- Ongoing reporting on sales and returns
Who needs to comply with the German battery act?
All companies that sell batteries on the German market are subject to the requirements of the BattG. This applies to companies that manufacture batteries, import batteries into Germany and companies that sell battery-powered products to German consumers, either online or offline. It is irrelevant whether the companies have their own headquarters in Germany.
What happens if companies don’t comply with BattG?
Failure to meet these obligations can result in fines of up to €100000, sales bans, and serious reputational damage. German authorities have the right to prohibit non-compliant companies from continuing to sell their products until all requirements are met.
Circular Pro supports you in complying with BattG
Complying with BattG can be complex, especially for cross-border sellers. Circular Pro offers a digital platform that simplifies every step of the process. With Circular Pro, businesses can manage their entire compliance process in one place and avoid costly mistakes.
