Guide for rechargeable batteries
This page covers rechargeable portable batteries in two practical cases: loose rechargeable AA/AAA cells and rechargeable batteries built into products. Both need capacity information, but built-in batteries also trigger additional rules on instructions, removability, online information, and QR-linked digital pages.
Separate collection symbol
The crossed-out bin must be handled correctly on the battery, product, or packaging depending on the design and size.
Battery label data
General battery label information and capacity marking for rechargeable portable batteries become relevant under the label trigger.
QR page and removability
QR-linked digital information applies to all batteries. Removability and replaceability become central for many products with built-in portable batteries.
Loose rechargeable AA/AAA cells
Example: rechargeable NiMH AA or AAA cells sold as loose batteries or in a blister pack.
Rechargeable battery
1.2V 2000mAh
Energy: 2.4Wh
LOT: HR6260513A
Brandname AA / HR6 NiMH Rechargeable battery 1.2V 2000mAh Energy: 2.4Wh LOT: HR6260513A Imp: tevigo GmbH CE [crossed-out wheeled bin]
Built-in rechargeable batteries
Example: compact power bank, speaker, flashlight, shaver, toy, or small household device with a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery.
Model: PB-LITE-01 Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion battery Nominal voltage: 3.7V Rated capacity: 2200mAh Energy: 8.14Wh Lot / Serial: PB260513A CE [crossed-out wheeled bin]
Capacity marking: mAh and Wh
- From the label trigger date, rechargeable portable batteries must carry capacity information.
- For AA/AAA rechargeable cells, mAh is the normal supplier-facing capacity value.
- The Regulation does not state that every rechargeable portable battery must show both mAh and Wh as a fixed double unit.
- For loose AA/AAA NiMH: show mAh; add Wh where space allows.
- For Li-ion packs, power banks, and built-in battery products: show both mAh and Wh.
- Formula: Wh = nominal voltage x Ah. Example: 3.7V x 2.2Ah = 8.14Wh.
What still belongs on packaging and documents
- full manufacturer and importer details if they do not fit on the cell
- model / IEC code, lot, chemistry, voltage, mAh, and optional Wh
- charging, storage, short-circuit, child-safety, and disposal warnings
- future QR target page and linked compliance information
- full manufacturer name, address, website, and email
- full importer name, address, website, and email
- battery removal and replacement instructions where required
- safety information for use, charging, storage, and disposal
- future QR target page and linked digital product information
- later battery label data under Annex VI Part A and capacity label logic
What the manual and online page must cover
- how to use and charge the product safely
- how to remove and replace the battery, where applicable
- fire, heat, short-circuit, and child-safety warnings
- disposal and separate collection instructions
- battery removal and replacement instructions
- battery safety and disposal information
- future QR-linked product page structure
- later DoC and compliance references
Which EU points apply here
This section shows which articles matter for rechargeable portable batteries, including loose AA/AAA rechargeable cells and built-in rechargeable batteries.
This applies to products incorporating portable batteries under the conditions of the Regulation.
Timeline, manual section, product-packaging split
Products with batteries must be accompanied by relevant instructions and safety information.
Manual / online information section
Rechargeable portable batteries fall under battery marking, capacity information, and future QR rules.
Timeline, product example, packaging block