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Battery Act
A B C D E F H I L M N P R S T U V W
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Battery Act

The Battery Implementation Act (BattDG) obliges manufacturers and importers to take back batteries and accumulators free of charge and ensure environmentally sound disposal. It is relevant where products contain batteries or accumulators.

Examples in the glove and PPE sector:

  • Electronic gloves with heating elements or vibration sensors
  • Smart PPE (e.g. safety shoes with fall warning, helmets with communication systems)
  • Medical measuring devices or gloves with Bluetooth or measuring functions

Requirements:

1. Registration with the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) as a battery manufacturer or importer

2. System participation (disposal system)

3. Marking obligation (including the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol on the product)

4. Ensuring take-back and recycling

EU level: the new Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 has applied directly since 18 February 2024 and has replaced the former EU Battery Directive 2006/66/EC. Its obligations take effect in stages (from 2024 through beyond 2031) and impose stricter requirements on sustainability and CO₂ declarations, recycled content, and collection and recycling rates. Nationally, the Battery Act (BattG) was replaced on 7 October 2025 by the Battery Implementation Act (BattDG), which supplements the Regulation.

For standard single-use gloves without electronic components, the BattG is not relevant.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Battery Act apply to standard single-use gloves?

No. The BattG only applies to products containing batteries or accumulators. For standard single-use gloves made from nitrile, latex, or vinyl without electronic components, the BattG does not apply.

What changed with the new EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542?

The new EU Battery Regulation (Reg. (EU) 2023/1542) replaces the former Battery Directive 2006/66/EC and has applied directly since 18 February 2024. It imposes stricter requirements on CO₂ declarations, minimum recycled content and — for certain battery categories — the Digital Battery Passport. The German Battery Act (BattG) was replaced on 7 October 2025 by the Battery Implementation Act (BattDG), which supplements the Regulation nationally.

Who must register under the BattG?

All manufacturers and importers who first place batteries or products with built-in batteries/accumulators on the German market. Also foreign online retailers delivering directly to German consumers.