QR code, identifier and label

The QR code

From 18 February 2027, every battery placed on the EU market carries a QR code. On LMT batteries, industrial batteries above 2 kWh and EV batteries it opens the battery passport. On other batteries it gives access to the label information, the declaration of conformity and information on waste.

The code has to be printed or engraved visibly, legibly and indelibly on the battery. Only when that isn’t possible may it go on the packaging and the accompanying documents. It has to contrast strongly with the background and be large enough for a common QR reader to scan easily.

The unique identifier

The QR code links to a unique identifier that the company placing the battery on the market gives to that battery. The code and the identifier have to follow the ISO/IEC 15459 series of standards, or an equivalent.

Common ways to turn the identifier into a web link include GS1 Digital Link, IEC 61406 and ISO/IEC 18975. The Regulation doesn’t prescribe any one of them.

The company also uploads the identifier to the EU registry for digital product passports, which opened on 20 July 2026 and covers battery passports too. According to the Commission, enrolling takes a qualified electronic signature or seal.

What else goes on the battery

• The CE marking

• The crossed-out wheeled bin for separate collection, required on all batteries since 18 August 2025

• Cd or Pb when the battery contains more than 0.002% cadmium or 0.004% lead

• The manufacturer’s name or trademark and postal address, and the model and the serial or batch number

• For imported batteries, the importer’s name and address as well

The general label

A label with the battery’s capacity, chemistry and other details becomes mandatory 18 months after the Commission adopts its implementing act on labels. That act had not been adopted by October 2026, so the label is not due in February 2027. The QR code is.

Reworked batteries

A remanufactured or repurposed battery gets a new label or marking that shows its change of status, reachable through the QR code.