European Commission Expands Exemptions to EU Battery Regulation

The European Commission adopted a delegated act expanding exemptions to the EU Batteries Regulation, which generally requires portable batteries to be user-removable and replaceable by February 18, 2027. The new rules cover six product categories, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, wireless earbuds, smart glasses, electric toys, and industrial equipment used in explosive environments.

Commission officials cited technical and safety constraints for the decision, noting that miniaturization risks could lead to battery punctures and that maintaining water resistance is critical for wearables. Devices falling under the ATEX directive for explosive environments, such as sensors and pumps, are also exempt. While end-users are no longer required to be able to replace these batteries, manufacturers must ensure that independent professionals can still perform the replacements.

The move follows a public consultation process started in 2025. The BEUC consumer organization criticized the exemptions as a dangerous precedent. Additionally, the Commission denied that the decision resulted from pressure by U.S. Ambassador Andrew Puzder, who lobbied for the relaxation of rules to facilitate the sale of U.S.-European products like Meta's smart glasses.

The delegated act now faces a two-month review period by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. If no objections are raised, the regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.