Battery Regulations Amendments Now Published!
May 5, 2026
The European Union (Batteries and Accumulators) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (S.I. No. 165/2026) – have now been published, introducing new amendments to Ireland’s battery regulatory framework. These amendments include specific provisions to support the ongoing implementation of the EU Batteries Regulation 2023 (EUBR), clarifying obligations for producers and strengthening alignment with EU requirements.
Key points to note:
- Updated definition reference for portable batteries to align with EUBR
(sealed, weights <5kg, not designed for other use…)
- Definitions now include electric vehicle batteries.
- Additional Registration details
- new requirements for the Registration Body (Producer Register Ltd)
- formal requirement for registration by Producers before they place batteries on the Irish market
- Declaration of Producer status by new battery category on registration required – Portable/LMT/Industrial/SLi/EV and battery chemistry
- Producers must be a member of a Compliance Scheme (such as WEEE Ireland!) and self-compliance for batteries EPR in Ireland is no longer an option
New approval details for approved bodies (Compliance Schemes) including enhanced contingency fund/guarantee requirements, co-operation on collection and takeback activity
The Amended Regulations allow for application for approval for a stand-alone EV Battery Scheme. WEEE Ireland has been in discussion with SIMI and ELVES on this development and will update our Members on the progression of a new EV Scheme shortly.
The Competent Authorities for specific article requirements are also referenced including the Minster of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Local Authorities and Dublin City Council specifically for shipment of waste batteries (National TFS Office)
EUBR Art. 74 Article
WEEE Ireland has published a new consumer focused article on our website explaining what the EU Batteries Regulation means in practice for safe battery use and recycling.
Producers and Schemes acting on their behalf are required to provide information to end users on these aspects.
The article outlines key consumer responsibilities and rights under the Regulation, including free takeback of waste batteries, the importance of never disposing of batteries in household bins, and how to safely store, handle and recycle different battery types. It also highlights why proper battery management is critical for preventing fires, protecting the environment, and recovering valuable raw materials to support the circular economy
Art 11 – removability and replaceability of batteries by end-users
The European Commission has published a draft Regulation proposing additional product groups with derogations from Article 11:
“The Batteries Regulation requires portable batteries incorporated into products to be removable and replaceable by the end user.
To ensure the safety of end users, certain products are exempted from this rule. For these products, it is sufficient if the portable batteries are removable and replaceable by independent professionals.
This initiative aims to set out a list of products or product categories – additional to the ones mentioned in the Regulation – that should be exempted.”
Proposed additional product categories include certain wearables, electrical toys, on-body medical delivery devices and wireless thermometers.
Feedback is open on this draft technical regulation until 26 May 2026. See the link below for more details and access to the feedback portal:
If you have Battery EPR and compliance queries, please contact Roisín Duffy from the Environmental Compliance Team roisin@weeeireland.ie.
WEEE Ireland has a dedicated Battery Steering Committee which is chaired by Brenda McEvoy from Apple, a representative of the IT and Battery sector on the WEEE Ireland Board of Directors. The Committee meets 1-2 times a year to review relevant topics and activity by WEEE Ireland on behalf of the Batteries Membership. Please contact Head of Membership Tony Murphy if you are interested in participating in the Committee.