From 18 February 2027, every battery placed on the EU market needs a QR code. This is separate from the battery passport, which only some batteries need. For most batteries, the code leads to a short set of information: the label information, the EU declaration of conformity and how to deal with the battery as waste. This guide explains what Article 13 of the Batteries Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, asks for and what is still open.

Who it affects

The rule covers all batteries, including batteries built into or supplied with a product. So it can affect brands and importers of, for example:

  • power banks and replacement batteries;
  • battery-powered tools;
  • toys with batteries;
  • beauty devices, such as shavers, trimmers and hair tools;
  • electronics, such as headphones, speakers and smart home devices.

Who adds the code depends on your role as manufacturer, importer or distributor. Check it for each product, and agree with your supplier who looks after the page the code leads to.

Where the code goes

The QR code must be printed or engraved on the battery, so that it is visible, legible and indelible. If the type and size of the battery do not allow that, it goes on the packaging and on the documents that come with the battery. Annex VI, Part C, of the regulation sets out the QR code itself.

What the code must lead to

What the code gives access to depends on the type of battery:

  • EV, LMT and industrial batteries over 2 kWh. The code leads to the battery passport. Polarpass does not provide that passport.
  • Other batteries, such as portable batteries. The code leads to the label information required by Article 13(1) to (5), the EU declaration of conformity, the report on the battery due diligence policy where your business has to publish one, and information on preventing and managing waste batteries, such as how to return them for collection.
  • Starter batteries for vehicles. The code leads to information on their recycled content of cobalt, lead, lithium or nickel.

The information must be complete, up to date and accurate. The due diligence duties themselves now apply from 18 August 2027.

What is still open

The Commission had to adopt an implementing act with harmonised specifications for the battery label by 18 August 2025. When we last checked, it was still a draft. The general label requirement applies from 18 August 2026 or 18 months after that act enters into force, whichever is later.

The QR code date of 18 February 2027 does not depend on that act. But the detailed label content, and so some of what the QR code has to lead to, may still change. Check the adopted act before you print large runs.

Where Polarpass can help

A public, model-level Polarpass passport can be the page your QR code leads to. You can add the label information to the passport, attach the declaration of conformity and other documents as public files, and describe collection and disposal in the recycling section. Updates appear behind the same code, and earlier published versions stay in the passport history.

Using a Polarpass passport for this does not by itself satisfy Article 13. You stay responsible for what the page contains and for the code on the battery, and Polarpass does not check either against the regulation. Read the Batteries Regulation on EUR-Lex for the exact wording.