Work out if you are a producer, what types of batteries are covered by the regulations and what you must do to comply with them.
Am I a battery producer?
You will be classed as a producer under the Regulations if you place batteries, or products containing batteries - on the UK market for the first time. If you manufacture or import batteries or products containing batteries you are likely to be a producer. You will generally not have bought the batteries from another UK supplier.
To be a producer you must have a physical presence in the UK, such as a UK office, trading arm or Post Office box.
Separate Regulations mean that you must make sure the batteries you sell do not contain too much cadmium or mercury and that they are properly labeled. See the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) for more information.
What do I need to do to comply?
What you need to do to comply with the Regulations depends on what type and what quantity of batteries you place on the UK market. The Regulations categorise batteries into portable, automotive and industrial types.
Portable batteries
Portable batteries are:
- sealed,
- capable of being hand-carried by the average person without difficulty; and
- are not automotive or industrial batteries.
Examples include, but are not limited to, AA and AAA batteries used in portable CD players, batteries used in laptops and mobile phones and generally any household battery.
Automotive and industrial batteries
Automotive batteries are:
- used for the starting of a road-going vehicle’s engine
- used for lighting in a road-going vehicle;
- used for ignition power in a road-going vehicle.
Examples of automotive batteries include - but are not limited to - 12 volt car batteries, motorcycle and van batteries used to start the motor. Batteries in car key fobs are not automotive batteries.
Industrial batteries are:
- designed entirely for industrial or professional uses;
- used for powering electric vehicles; and
- are unsealed but not automotive or sealed but not portable.
Examples include, but are not limited to, 12 volt car batteries, motorcycle and van batteries used to start the motor. Batteries in car key fobs are not automotive batteries.
Not sure what type of batteries you work with?
You should consult the Regulations for the full legal text. You should also read the Government Guidance Notes issued jointly by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills(BIS) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
