New EU Battery Rules: What You Need to Know?

Starting August 2025, sellers must comply with new EU battery regulations. Here's a quick overview.

Starting 18 August 2025, Amazon will begin enforcing updated compliance rules for products that contain or are powered by batteries. These changes are part of the European Union’s broader push to expand Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements across its member states. Sellers operating across key EU markets will need to act now to ensure their listings remain active.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility is an environmental policy framework that holds businesses accountable not just for selling products, but also for their collection, treatment, recycling, or disposal once they reach the end of their life cycle.

Unlike standard product guarantees or return policies, EPR shifts waste management responsibility from the public sector to manufacturers, importers, and sellers. To comply, businesses must typically:

  • Register with environmental authorities in each country of operation
  • Report sales volumes by category (e.g., batteries, electronics, packaging)
  • Pay associated environmental handling fees

The goal is to encourage sustainable product design and reduce environmental impact by ensuring proper end-of-life handling.

Batteries Under EU EPR: Who Is Impacted?

Any business placing battery-powered goods on the EU market may be considered a “producer” under EPR legislation. This includes:

  • Original manufacturers
  • Importers and distributors
  • Online retailers and marketplace sellers
  • Foreign sellers shipping directly to EU customers

Amazon sellers fall within these definitions and are expected to comply.

The regulation applies to a wide variety of batteries, including:

  • Single-use (e.g., AA, AAA)
  • Rechargeable (e.g., lithium-ion, NiMH)
  • Automotive and e-mobility batteries

It covers both standalone batteries and products containing built-in or removable batteries.

Which Amazon Marketplaces Are Affected and When Will Enforcement Begin?

Amazon has announced that, from 18 August 2025, sellers listing battery-related products must upload a valid EPR registration number for each EU marketplace in which they operate.

This applies to the following Amazon sites:

  • Amazon.de (Germany)
  • Amazon.fr (France)
  • Amazon.it (Italy)
  • Amazon.nl (Netherlands)
  • Amazon.es (Spain)
  • Amazon.pl (Poland)
  • Amazon.se (Sweden)
  • Amazon.be (Belgium)

Sellers trading in multiple countries must submit individual compliance numbers for each location. A centralised Amazon Compliance Portal has been made available to help manage these submissions.

What Additional Product Requirements Apply Under EU Regulations?

In addition to EPR registration, products that include batteries must meet EU product safety standards:

  • CE Marking is mandatory to show compliance with relevant health and safety directives.
  • Businesses not based in the EU must appoint an authorised Responsible Person to represent them legally in the region.

Failure to comply with CE certification rules may lead to customs seizures, penalties, or removal of goods from the marketplace.

What Happens If You Do not Comply?

Amazon will take direct action against non-compliant listings. Depending on the region, consequences may include:

  • Product deactivation and removal from search results
  • Suspension of selling rights (for a specific country or across Amazon EU)
  • Automatic enrolment into Amazon’s “Pay on Behalf” scheme in France and Spain, where Amazon files EPR reports for you – for a service fee

Beyond Amazon’s actions, national regulators may impose:

  • Fines or forfeiture of earnings
  • Destruction or return of non-compliant goods at customs
  • Legal enforcement for missing CE or Responsible Person obligations

How FZCO Accountants Limited Can Support You?

Navigating environmental compliance can be complex — but you do not have to do it alone.

FZCO Accountants Limited can help you:

  • Complete EPR registration across all relevant EU markets
  • Accurately file product declarations and environmental contributions
  • Avoid late fees or missed compliance deadlines
  • Act as your legally recognised Responsible Person in the EU

Whether you are a new seller entering the European market or an established merchant adapting to regulatory changes, our compliance experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

Need help preparing for the 18 August 2025 deadline?

Get in touch with FZCO Accountants Limited today for extensive EPR support and regulatory guidance.