Compliance Glossary
By Georgia & Molly
Darling, staying ahead of the pack means speaking the right language. We’ve curated this little 'cheat sheet' to keep you perfectly informed and utterly compliant. Read it and weep with joy!
Producer
Any person or entity that first places batteries (or products with batteries) on the market in a Member State on a professional basis, regardless of selling method (including online), and includes manufacturers, importers, and distributors who brand or sell them under their own name or trademark, or supply them for the first time within that state.
G&M: The "Who’s Responsible for the Batteries?" List
If you are the one—the absolute pioneer—who first flings a battery (or a gorgeous little gadget with a battery tucked inside!) onto the market in a Member State, you’re the one we’re looking at, sweetie!
It doesn't matter how you’re peddling them—even if it's on that dreadfully cold "internet" thing—you are officially the "Producer" if:
- The Maker: You actually manufactured the little things. (How industrious of you... shudder).
- The Importer: You brought them in from somewhere exotic to sell to the masses.
- The Re-Brander: You’ve slapped your own fabulous name or trademark on them like they were your own invention
- The Supplier: You’re the very first person to let them loose in the state.
Basically, darling, if you’re the one putting the 'zip' in the scooter or the 'glide' in the drone for the first time..congratulations, it’s your responsibility! ---
Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
A Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) is a legal entity that fulfills the obligations of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on behalf of battery producers.
G&M: The PRO
It’s a group you join so you don't have to spend your life counting old batteries in a cold warehouse. You give them the cash, and they deal with the recycling, the paperwork, and all that drab nonsense. Divine!
Placing on the Market vs. Making Available
Placing on the Market: The very first time a battery is supplied for distribution or use on the European Union market.
Making Available: Any subsequent supply after the first placement.
G&M: Why do we need both, darling?
The Placing on the Market (The VIP Entry): This is the high-stakes moment, sweetie! The battery crosses the border or sees the light of day for the first time and WHAM—the compliance heavyweights are all over you! You need your certificates, your PRO memberships (country specific), and your soul ready for inspection. It’s the "I’m here, I’m official, now give me a drink" stage.
The Making Available (The After-Party): This is the battery just doing the rounds. It’s being sold in workshops, shoved into scooters, or lost in the Seine. There’s still "reporting," yes—keeping track of who’s seen the battery and where it went—but the heavy lifting was done at the door!
CE mark
The CE mark on a battery is the manufacturer's declaration that the product meets all the mandatory safety, health, and environmental requirements of the European Union. The scope is extensive and includes conformity to all applicable EU regulations, e.g. the EMC Directive.
G&M: The Designer Label of the Battery World!
It’s the "Certificate of Fabulousness." If it hasn't got the mark, it’s a "No-Go," sweetie! It’s like trying to get into a fashion show wearing polyester—it’s just not done!
Honestly, darling, if only humans came with a CE mark!
Carbon footprint declaration
The Carbon Footprint Declaration is a mandatory document that manufacturers must provide to prove the environmental impact of their batteries. It is the first step in a "three-stage" strategy by the EU to ensure that batteries sold in Europe are as clean as possible.
Stage 1: Mandatory Declaration (Started Feb 2025 for EVs): Producers must calculate and disclose the total CO_2 equivalent emissions for each battery model per manufacturing plant.
Stage 2: Performance Classes (Expected 2026/2027): Batteries will be graded into "Performance Classes" (e.g., Class A to G), similar to the energy labels on refrigerators.
Stage 3: Maximum Thresholds (Expected 2028+): The EU will set a "ceiling." Any battery with a carbon footprint higher than this limit will be banned from the EU market.
G&M: Explanation
It’s a "Filter," darling! First they talk, then they’re judged, and finally, if they’re not "clean" enough, they’re out!
Digital Battery Passport
Coming 2027. An electronic record that tracks sustainability, carbon footprint, and recycled content via a QR code.
G&M: The Ultimate VIP Pass!
Imagine, darling, every single battery having its own little digital diary. No more secrets! You just take your phone, give it a little scan—and vroom—you’re backstage!