Industry Associations Warn of De Facto Sales Ban on Batteries
Three major industry associations have raised concerns over an upcoming law that could disrupt battery sales. The new Battery Implementation Act, due to start on January 16, 2026, may leave many manufacturers unable to comply in time. Without changes, essential batteries for medical devices, forklifts, and consumer electronics could vanish from the market.
The VDMA, ZVEI, and Bitkom associations warn that only one approved Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) currently exists to manage battery collection and recycling. This single body cannot process all manufacturers before the January 15 deadline. As a result, hundreds of thousands of batteries may become unsellable overnight.
The groups are calling for a delay beyond January 15, 2026, to allow a smoother transition. They argue that the current system lacks the infrastructure to handle disposal requirements under the new rules. Adding to the problem, the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Registration (EAR) foundation now demands high financial guarantees for new PRO approvalsâa requirement that did not exist before. Without additional approved organisations, batteries critical to medical equipment, logistics vehicles, and everyday electronics face potential shortages. The associations stress that a moratorium is necessary to avoid severe disruptions in multiple industries.
The new law risks halting battery sales unless more PROs receive approval before the deadline. Manufacturers and industries reliant on these products may face immediate shortages if no extension is granted. The outcome depends on whether regulators adjust the timeline or financial conditions for compliance.
