Statement on the EU battery regulation 2023/1542

Only industrial batteries with a capacity of less than 2 kWh are used in our products. We ensure that all batteries and battery-containing products we sell comply with legal requirements.

 We carefully check the declarations of conformity of all battery manufacturers to ensure that the substance restrictions in accordance with Article 6 of the EU Battery Regulation are complied with. We also regularly check that the batteries are correctly labelled, that operating instructions and safety information are included, and that the requirements of Article 38 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 are fully met. In addition, we are in regular contact with battery manufacturers to ensure that future labelling requirements are implemented in a timely manner.

For batteries that we import into the EU, we comply with the requirements of Article 41 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. This means that we affix our name, postal address, website and email address directly to the battery. Of course, we keep all declarations of conformity and other technical documentation, as well as relevant information about the batteries and the economic operators involved, for 10 years after the batteries are placed on the market. 

As a distributor of batteries via our online shop, we are also working to comply with the future due diligence obligations under Chapter VII of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.

Sustainable use of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries

As a responsible manufacturer, we want to inform our customers and partners about how (industrial) batteries and rechargeable batteries can be used for as long as possible and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner at the end of their service life. End users play a key role in preventing battery waste and conserving natural resources. 

Impact on the environment, health and safety

 Batteries contain hazardous substances such as:

• Heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium, mercury)
• Electrolytes, which may be corrosive or flammable
• Rare metals, which are lost if disposed of improperly

Improper disposal (e.g. via household waste or dumping in nature) can:

• contaminate soil and groundwater
• lead to the release of toxic substances 
• cause a fire or explosion hazard
• endanger the health of humans and animals
  
  

General safety instructions for handling (used) batteries 

Please observe the following instructions to avoid hazards when using and disposing of batteries:

1. Do not damage batteries: Avoid knocking, crushing or opening batteries.
2. Keep away from heat and fire: Batteries must not be heated, thrown into fire or exposed to strong sunlight.  
3. Do not immerse in water: Avoid contact between the battery and water or other liquids.  
4. Store defective batteries safely: Dispose swollen, leaking or otherwise damaged batteries separately and in secure packaging. 
5. Keep out of reach of children and pets: Take particular care to note the risk of swallowing with button cells.  
6. Dispose of only via authorised collection points: G Return used batteries free of charge to local collection points or retailers.  
7. Tape over the terminals: For lithium batteries and rechargeable batteries, tape over the terminals with adhesive tape before handling them in at the collection point to prevent short circuits. 

Note on lithium batteries:
Lithium batteries may catch fire or explode if damaged, short-circuited or handled improperly. Particular care must therefore be taken to ensure that contacts are insulated and packaging is shock-resistant, especially during storage and transport.

Important symbols on batteries and accumulators

Disposal of used batteries

As batteries and accumulators contain hazardous and harmful substances, they must never be disposed of with general household waste. Separate collection is required by law and is a prerequisite for recycling and safe treatment. In accordance with Article 64 of the EU Battery Regulation, end-users are also obliged to collect batteries separately and ensure they are properly recycled. 

 Collection points in Austria:
Used portable batteries and accumulators can be disposed of in collection boxes provided in shops, and in normal household quanitities (up to 5 kg) at municipal collection centres, all Viennese waste collection points, and hazardous waste collection points. At mobile hazardous waste collection points in Vienna, lithium batteries may only be handed in if they weigh no more than 0.5 kg each and show no signs of mechanical damage. The battery terminals should be covered with tape. Where possible, the battery should be removed from the device and handed in separately for collection. 

Industrial batteries are subject to a separate take-back obligation and are collected separately from other portable batteries. The following options are available for industrial batteries:

• Return to the manufacturer or retailer from whom the battery was purchased 
• Collection points of the designated collection and recycling system
• Local waste collection centres, provided they accept industrial batteries
• Processing in specialised facilities for reuse (subject to testing) / repurposing (e.g. as stationary storage units) / material recovery (e.g. lithium, cobalt, nickel)

Used vehicle batteries are also collected separately from portable batteries. Sellers of such batteries (e.g. car repair shops, car parts retailers) must take them back free of charge, regardless of whether a new purchase is made. Vehicle batteries can also be returned free of charge at local authority collection centres (e.g. waste collection centres, waste disposal sites or recycling centres).

Additional information for end users

As an end user, you can extend the service life of batteries and encourage their reuse or recycling by taking the following measures:

• Use rechargeable batteries: Give preference to rechargeable batteries, particularly for devices with high energy requirements.
• Store batteries correctly: Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct light. This prevents loss of capacity and premature ageing.
• Avoid deep discharge: Recharge batteries in good time or remove them if the device is not going to be used for a prolonged period. 
• Carry out maintenance: Perform regular maintenance (e.g. cell balancing, cleaning, software updates for smart systems).
• Enable reuse and recycling: Pass on batteries that are still working or return them to collection points for reuse. Even batteries that are no longer fully functional can often still be reconditioned, repurposed or prepared for reuse - aprticularly in the case of industrial batteries (e.g. second life in stationary applications). Therefore, return used batteries to authorised collection points or directly to the manufacturer or distributor.

By taking these measures, you are actively helping to reduce envirnmental impact, conserve resources and promote a sustainable circular economy. 

Additional information for retailers, economic operators and waste managers 

n accordance with Article 74(2) of the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, we are providing all relevant partners with important information on safety and protective measures for the storage and collection of waste batteries. These measures are designed to protect workers, prevent accidents and ensure proper preparation for reuse, repurposing and treatment.  

This guidance is aimed in particular at: 

• Retailers in accordance with Article 62 
• Operators of treatment facilities in accordance with Article 65 
• Waste management authorities in accordance with Articel 66 
• Waste managers who prepare used batteries for reuse, repurposing or treatment

Storage: 

• Store used batteries in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, away from flammable materials
• Keep undamaged batteries separate from damaged or leaking batteries
• Store lithium-containing batteries in fireproof containers (e.g. metal trays, sand beds, special boxes)

•  Cover the terminals to prevent short circuits 
• Do not stack damaged batteries or store them under pressure 
• Handle leaking or deformed batteries with care and wear protective gloves 
• In the event of a thermal reaction or gas development: evacuate immediately and notify the fire brigade 

• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff: e.g. protective gloves, safety goggles
• Train staff regularly on the hazards of batteries, particularly lithium batteries
• Make operating instructions and safety data sheets clearly visible and easily understandable 

•  Provide suitable extinguishing agents (e.g. metal fire extinguishers, extinguishing granules)
• Equip storage areas with fire and gas detectors
• Regularly review fire safety regulations and emergency plans