How to Prepare for the EU Battery Regulation Deadlines

The first regulatory milestone is the Battery Management Systems (BMS) compliance requirement, which has been in effect since May 2024. BMS monitors a battery’s performance, safety, and state of charge, ensuring safe operation throughout its lifecycle.

“Readiness varies significantly across the market. Some companies, such as those producing batteries for electricity storage or backup power, have listed all the Battery Regulation requirements in detail, along with their enforcement dates. They’ve adapted their conformity assessment procedures to ensure they can place a compliant battery on the market. But not all manufacturers are up to speed. Others are still preparing declarations of conformity that only refer to the former Battery Directive and seem unaware of the new regulation.” — Evert.

Our top tip: Take a proactive approach, even if guidance is still evolving. Some timings may be unclear, but the impact is significant. Don’t wait and hope to fix things at the last minute; that’s not feasible.

By 2027, every battery must have a digital passport, accessible via QR code, showing key data on performance, carbon footprint, material sourcing, and recycling.

“Many manufacturers are still in the planning phase and looking for a software solution to implement the passport. The passport will have to store static data such as the rated capacity, the original power capability, and the expected battery lifetime. But they should also contain up-to-date dynamic data, i.e., data that depends on the use of the battery. This means there must be a communication link between the battery and the passport, which is the real challenge. Early action means better readiness. We’ve seen safety risks when testing is skipped, like fires or explosions, so we test thoroughly to ensure safer products enter the market. Kiwa offers technical support to clarify required parameters, identify what needs regular updates, and help interpret regulations.” — Evert.

Our top tip: Don’t wait. Start by finding a suitable software solution for the passport and ensure that this provides all necessary functionalities so you're ready to deliver accurate, regulation-proof battery passports by 2027.

Due diligence obligations under the EU Battery Regulation were initially set to take effect on 18 August 2025, targeting companies with annual turnovers above €40 million. However, under the proposed Omnibus Package, the deadline will shift to August 2027. The long-awaited EU Commission guidelines (originally expected in early 2025) are now due by July 2026, by which time notified bodies should also be available to perform the required verification.

“Due diligence remains complex, and while the EU Commission’s guidelines were initially expected in early 2025, they are now unlikely to appear before July 2026. With the proposed extension of the compliance deadline to 2027, companies have more time; however, many are already starting to map their suppliers and draft policies.” — Nadiya

While the proposed changes offer companies more time and clarity, proactive preparation remains essential to meet future compliance expectations.

Our top tip: Begin preparing now by drafting a policy, mapping suppliers, and raising internal awareness. Having a plan in place is far better than being unprepared.

Carbon footprint (CFP) declarations are central to the regulation. The automotive sector is already ahead, with many companies actively calculating their CFP and running dry-run verifications to ensure compliance with the latest method. The deadlines are later for industrial batteries over 2 kWh, but the work required is no less demanding.

“In our experience, the automotive industry, for which the CFP requirement comes first, is well prepared. They’re actively calculating the CFP and are already requesting a dry-run verification to ensure their calculations comply with the current version of the CFP method.” — Evert.

Our top tip: Start now. Our lab tests battery lifespan through charge and discharge cycles, a key regulatory requirement. This also supports Green Deal goals by ensuring durable, compliant, and sustainable products.

“It supports the EU’s environmental goals and helps control the quality of both imported and locally made products, including their supply chains and working conditions. For me, it’s important to be part of that, making sure the final product is safe.” — Nadiya.

“Some people still question whether electric vehicles emit less CO₂ over their life cycle than fossil fuel cars, because battery production has its own CO₂ impact. However, studies have shown that, provided an electric vehicle is not charged with, for example, electricity produced only from coal, an average full electric vehicle performs better on greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime. And the advantage of electric vehicles will grow as the Battery Regulation is a big step in pushing the battery industry to reduce their impact.” — Evert.

Curious how other industries are adapting to regulation? Find more expert guidance in Trace Magazine.