SGS Announces EU to Broaden Cadmium and Mercury Ban in Batteries
On 10 October 2013, the European Parliament voted positive on a new law to ban mercury in button cell batteries from autumn 2015 and phase out the current exemption of cadmium accumulators’ application for cordless power tools by 31 January 2016. The changes will be implemented by a new law amending the European Batteries Directive 2006/66/EC (1).
Taunusstein, Germany, November 19, 2013 --(PR.com)-- In April 2013 SGS informed you (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:266:0001:0014:en:PDF) about the intention of the European Parliament Environmental Committee to ban mercury and cadmium in certain battery types (2). Meanwhile the European parliament had a positive vote to follow the proposal and ban mercury in button cells and cadmium in rechargeable batteries in power tools and other applications (3).
Changes in the European Battery Directive
The European Battery Directive currently in force allows the use of nickel-cadmium batteries in certain product categories like emergency and alarm systems (including emergency lighting), medical equipment, or cordless power tools despite the general cadmium restriction of 0,002% in portable batteries and accumulators. After enforcement of the new law the use of this type of batteries will be further limited for the use in emergency systems and lighting as well as in medical equipment. Power tools makers will need to turn to alternative technologies like lithium-ion-batteries. Manufacturers are also required to consider a possibility for an easy removing of waste batteries, at least by professional parties, in the design of their products.
In addition to tightening of cadmium bans the European Parliament continues its policy to remove mercury from waste streams and environment by including a ban of mercury in button cells. Such batteries are commonly used in small electronic devices like watches, toys or remote controls. The proposed new rule indicated that the ban of mercury in button cells will align with the current Battery Directive mercury limit of 0,0005 %.
After implementation of the new law affected batteries and accumulators may be sold until the stock is exhausted.
References:
(1) Official Journal of the European Union - Directive 2006/66/EC (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:266:0001:0014:en:PDF)
(2) SafeGuardS No. 057/13 Apr 2013(http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:266:0001:0014:en:PDF)
(3) European Parliament News - MEPs ban cadmium from power tool batteries and mercury from button cells (http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/press-release)
About SGS Electrical and Electronics Services
SGS is committed to keeping you up to date on the latest regulations and policies concerning the use of hazardous substances in consumer products (http://www.sgs.com/cgnr). Furthermore, through a global expertise and network of chemical labs, SGS can support you in ensuring your products comply with relevant hazardous substances requirements in all relevant markets around the world.
Whether you are in need of hazardous substances testing (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Electrical-and-Electronics/Audio-Video-and-Household-Appliances/RoHS.aspx) or other third party verification, certification or inspection services, SGS is ideally positioned to satisfy all your business's needs.
Feel free to contact an SGS expert should you require more information.
Contact details:
SGS Consumer Testing Services
Dr. Udo Krischke
Global Technical Manager Restricted Substances Testing Services
SGS Germany GmbH
Im Maisel 14
65232 Taunusstein
Germany
t: +49 6128 - 744 235
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/ee
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 75 000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1 500 offices and laboratories around the world.
Changes in the European Battery Directive
The European Battery Directive currently in force allows the use of nickel-cadmium batteries in certain product categories like emergency and alarm systems (including emergency lighting), medical equipment, or cordless power tools despite the general cadmium restriction of 0,002% in portable batteries and accumulators. After enforcement of the new law the use of this type of batteries will be further limited for the use in emergency systems and lighting as well as in medical equipment. Power tools makers will need to turn to alternative technologies like lithium-ion-batteries. Manufacturers are also required to consider a possibility for an easy removing of waste batteries, at least by professional parties, in the design of their products.
In addition to tightening of cadmium bans the European Parliament continues its policy to remove mercury from waste streams and environment by including a ban of mercury in button cells. Such batteries are commonly used in small electronic devices like watches, toys or remote controls. The proposed new rule indicated that the ban of mercury in button cells will align with the current Battery Directive mercury limit of 0,0005 %.
After implementation of the new law affected batteries and accumulators may be sold until the stock is exhausted.
References:
(1) Official Journal of the European Union - Directive 2006/66/EC (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:266:0001:0014:en:PDF)
(2) SafeGuardS No. 057/13 Apr 2013(http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:266:0001:0014:en:PDF)
(3) European Parliament News - MEPs ban cadmium from power tool batteries and mercury from button cells (http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/press-release)
About SGS Electrical and Electronics Services
SGS is committed to keeping you up to date on the latest regulations and policies concerning the use of hazardous substances in consumer products (http://www.sgs.com/cgnr). Furthermore, through a global expertise and network of chemical labs, SGS can support you in ensuring your products comply with relevant hazardous substances requirements in all relevant markets around the world.
Whether you are in need of hazardous substances testing (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Electrical-and-Electronics/Audio-Video-and-Household-Appliances/RoHS.aspx) or other third party verification, certification or inspection services, SGS is ideally positioned to satisfy all your business's needs.
Feel free to contact an SGS expert should you require more information.
Contact details:
SGS Consumer Testing Services
Dr. Udo Krischke
Global Technical Manager Restricted Substances Testing Services
SGS Germany GmbH
Im Maisel 14
65232 Taunusstein
Germany
t: +49 6128 - 744 235
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/ee
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 75 000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1 500 offices and laboratories around the world.
Contact
SGS Consumer Testing Services
Dr. Udo Krischke
+49 6128 - 744 235
www.sgs.com/ee
Global Marketing Manager
Dr. Udo Krischke
+49 6128 - 744 235
www.sgs.com/ee
Global Marketing Manager
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