The Battery Passport – The First Official Digital Product Passport in Europe

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is becoming a reality in the European Union, and the battery passport is the first official example of its implementation. Introduced under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, the passport aims to increase transparency, sustainability, and circular economy effectiveness in the battery sector.

What is the battery passport?

The battery passport is a digital document containing detailed information about a battery, such as:

• Battery identifier (e.g., QR code)

• Battery type and model

• Date of manufacture and market placement

• Chemical composition and content of hazardous materials

• Content of recycled materials

• Carbon footprint related to production

• Information on repairs, reuse, and recycling

These data will be available to consumers, manufacturers, recyclers, and supervisory authorities by scanning a QR code placed on the battery.

Who is required to have a battery passport?

Under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, from 1 January 2026 the obligation to have a battery passport will apply to:

• Batteries for electric vehicles (EVs)

• Industrial batteries with a capacity above 2 kWh

• Batteries for light means of transport (e.g., e-bikes, e-scooters)

This requirement applies to both manufacturers and importers placing batteries on the EU market.

What are the benefits of the battery passport?

Introducing the battery passport brings many benefits:

• For consumers: greater transparency and the ability to make informed purchasing decisions.

• For manufacturers: easier regulatory compliance and building customer trust.

• For the environment: promoting battery recycling and reuse, which helps reduce waste and CO₂ emissions.

What does the battery passport teach us about the future?

The battery passport sets a precedent for other sectors, showing how digital product passports can support sustainability and transparency in supply chains. Future regulations may extend the DPP obligation to other products such as electronics, textiles, and furniture.

Where to find more information?

• Regulation (EU) 2023/1542: EUR-Lex

• Battery passport content guide: The Battery Pass