Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2008
What this means for your business
- Enforced by
- Mining Remediation Authority, Natural England, NIEA, NRW, SEPA
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 5 compliance obligations, 1 practical guide
What you must do
5 compliance obligations under this legislation.
Management duties 1
Label batteries with mercury, cadmium or lead symbols
If you put batteries containing mercury, cadmium or lead on the market, you must label them with the correct chemical symbol (Hg, Cd or Pb) under the crossed‑out wheeled‑bin symbol. The label must be big enough (at least a quarter of the bin symbol), clear, permanent and placed on the product before it is sold.
Other requirements 2
Label battery capacity before placing on the market
If your business sells or supplies rechargeable or automotive batteries that are covered by the EU Capacity Labelling Regulation, you must put a clear, permanent label on each battery showing its capacity. The label has to be easy to read and must meet the exact specifications set out in the Regulation before the product is offered for sale in the UK.
Mark batteries with crossed‑out wheeled‑bin symbol before sale
Unlimited fineIf you place any battery or battery pack on the market, you must label it with the crossed‑out wheeled‑bin recycling symbol. The symbol must be big enough – at least 3% of the largest side (or 1.5% for cylindrical cells) but not larger than 5 × 5 cm – and it must be clear, permanent and easy to see. For very tiny batteries the symbol can be printed on the packaging instead of the battery itself.
Payments and fees 1
Repay enforcement costs if convicted of a battery regulation offence
If your business is convicted of breaking the Batteries and Accumulators Regulations, the court can order you to reimburse the Secretary of State for any money spent investigating the breach, such as testing the battery or appliance. You will need to pay these costs in addition to any fine or other penalty.
Offences and prohibitions 1
Cause another person to breach battery regulations
If, in the course of your business, something you do or fail to do leads another person to commit an offence under the Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market) Regulations, you can be prosecuted as well – even if you are not the original offender. The same applies to officers of a company: if an offence is committed with their consent, connivance or because of their negligence, they are personally liable alongside the company. Conviction carries the same penalties that apply to the original offence under the Regulations.
Penalties for non-compliance
2 penalties under this legislation. 1 carry an unlimited fine.
Fail to comply with battery placement regulations or enforcement notices
Unlimited fine
Cause another person to breach battery regulations
Penalty applies
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Sections and provisions
27 classified provisions from this legislation.