On October 10, 2013, the European Parliament adopted amendments to the EU Battery Directive 2006\/66\/EC, banning mercury-containing button batteries from autumn 2015, and gradually phasing out exemptions for cadmium-containing batteries in cordless power tools from January 31, 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the current European Battery Directive limits the cadmium content of portable and rechargeable batteries to 0.002%, it permits the use of nickel-cadmium batteries in certain product categories, such as alarm systems (including emergency lighting equipment), medical devices, and cordless power tools. Under the new regulations, the use of such batteries will be further restricted, allowing their use only in emergency lighting and medical devices. Power tool manufacturers must adopt new technologies such as lithium-ion batteries. Manufacturers must also consider the ease of removal of used batteries in their products when designing them, at least the ease of disassembly by professional organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to tightening restrictions on cadmium, the EU will continue to implement policies to eliminate mercury from waste and the environment, including a ban on mercury-containing button batteries. Button batteries are widely used in small electronic devices such as watches, toys, or remote controls. The new proposal's regulations on mercury content in button batteries are consistent with the current Battery Directive's limit of 0.0005%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even after the new regulations are implemented, the affected batteries and accumulators can still sell off their existing inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n