The EU battery passport from 18 February 2027

Which batteries need a passport

Article 77(1) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 requires a battery passport from 18 February 2027 for:

• LMT batteries: batteries for light means of transport, such as e-bikes, e-scooters and similar wheeled vehicles with an electric motor. The regulation defines them as sealed batteries weighing 25 kg or less, designed to provide traction to such vehicles. There is no capacity threshold.
• Industrial batteries with a capacity above 2 kWh, such as home energy storage.
• Electric vehicle batteries.

The passport is required for each individual battery placed on the market or put into service from that date.

What about other batteries

Portable batteries (sealed, 5 kg or less, not designed for industrial use) and SLI batteries for starting vehicles do not need a passport. But from 18 February 2027 all batteries must carry a QR code under Article 13(6). For batteries without a passport, the QR code gives access to information such as the labelling information, the EU declaration of conformity and information on waste battery collection.

That matters for Shopify stores selling products with built-in or included batteries: the battery inside must meet the rules, and the QR code requirement covers it.

Who is responsible

Under Article 77(4), the economic operator placing the battery on the market is responsible for ensuring the passport information is accurate, complete and up to date. That is the manufacturer, or the importer when the battery is made outside the EU. A non-EU manufacturer may mandate someone in writing to act on its behalf, but stays responsible.

If you sell e-bikes or scooters under your own brand, you are likely the one placing the battery on the market. If you resell another brand, check that the manufacturer provides passports and QR codes for units placed on the market from February 2027.

What the passport contains

Annex XIII of the Batteries Regulation lists the information, split into what is public, what is available to people with a legitimate interest (such as repairers and recyclers) and what is available to authorities. It includes general battery information, material composition, carbon footprint information where required, due diligence information, performance and durability data, and information on dismantling and safety. The Commission and industry groups have published guidance that breaks this down into data points.

Checklist for sellers

1. List all products that are, or contain, LMT batteries or industrial batteries above 2 kWh.
2. Confirm with each manufacturer how passports and QR codes will be provided for units placed on the market from 18 February 2027.
3. For your own brand, plan who will host the passport and how the QR code will be printed on the battery.
4. Prepare product pages to link to the passport, so customers can see it before buying.