Yesterday, the European Commission adopted a new simplification package as part of the Single market strategy with impact on the EU Batteries Regulation (EUBR) e.g., a stop-the-clock proposal to postpone the application of the due diligence chapter by two years, certain changes to the annual reporting requirements and a cap for mid-size companies.

EPBA – Consumer Batteries Europe welcomes the proposed changes as a first important step to enhance the competitiveness of battery manufacturers in the EU, and we are grateful for the positive response received from many stakeholders in the institutions, and beyond.

The introduction of a fair level playing field for battery manufacturers remains our primary objective. To fully achieve this, EUBR due diligence requirements need to be harmonised with or fully replaced by the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Batteries are considered an important catalyst for the Clean Industry transition. We fully support a consistent set of rules to foster environmental and human rights standards for critical raw minerals. In this respect, our supply chains are no different to those for steel products; animal feed; brick colorants; fertilisers; brass and bronze production, chemically resistant materials; electrical conductors; etc.

Consequently, we look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders to ensure that the due diligence articles of Batteries Regulation are included in the ongoing Omnibus simplification initiative, with Articles 47 through 52 of EUBR being either streamlined or replaced in favour of full applicability of the CSDDD to the battery sector.