Guide

Battery labelling, symbols and CE marking

In-scope batteries must carry physical labels — capacity, chemistry, the crossed-out wheeled bin, restricted-substance symbols — plus CE marking, and the QR data carrier that links the physical label to the digital passport.

Last updated 1 June 2026

The passport is the digital half of the regulation’s information requirements. The physical half is labelling: a set of marks that must appear on the battery, its packaging or accompanying documents from the dates set in the regulation.

What must be marked

MarkConveys
Capacity and general info labelManufacturer, capacity, chemistry, batch/serial
Separate-collection symbolCrossed-out wheeled bin — do not bin
Chemistry / heavy-metal symbolsCd, Pb where relevant, plus chemistry
CE markingConformity with applicable EU requirements
QR data carrierLink to the digital battery passport

How the label and passport connect

The QR code is the bridge: it is part of the physical labelling but resolves to the digital passport. The two are not interchangeable — the label carries the at-a-glance, durable information, and the QR carries everything else.

Labels must remain legible and durable for the life of the battery. The QR in particular must be printed at print-grade resolution and high error correction so it still scans after wear.

CE marking signifies conformity with the applicable requirements and is affixed before the battery is placed on the market. It is distinct from the passport but part of the same compliance package.

Frequently asked

Does the QR code replace the printed label?

No. The printed capacity, chemistry and collection symbols stay on the battery; the QR data carrier links to the digital passport that holds the fuller data set.

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Self-serve, no sales call. Compliant by 18 February 2027.