New EU rules for battery recycling: what does this mean for you as an importer?

The European automotive market is changing rapidly. Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly common, and with that comes a growing focus on sustainability. To ensure everything is properly regulated, the EU has introduced a number of new rules regarding batteries and recycling.

The EU Battery Regulation (EU 2023/1542) sets strict requirements for the entire lifecycle of batteries: from initial production to final collection and recycling. The goal? To retain valuable raw materials and reduce environmental impact. Importing vehicles? Then these regulations will directly affect your day-to-day business.

As an importer, you are officially considered a 'producer'

Under the new European regulations, importers of electric or hybrid vehicles (new or used) are legally considered the 'producer' of the battery. That may sound significant, but it simply means you carry what is known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

In practice, this means you are responsible for the collection and recycling of the battery once it reaches the end of its life. In the Netherlands, you must register with Rijkswaterstaat. Fortunately, you don't have to figure this out on your own; most importers arrange this through the collective system of Auto Recycling Nederland (ARN).

Important date: From April 1, 2026 onwards, a battery management contribution must be paid for every imported electric or hybrid vehicle — including used cars. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) strictly monitors compliance. Not registered or failing to pay? You risk significant fines.

No worries: SCL handles the compliance

Fortunately, there is good news for SCL customers. We stay on top of developments and fully comply with the latest regulations regarding battery management and recycling.

By handling the administrative and financial complexities and working with the appropriate authorities, we ensure that vehicles imported through SCL enter the Dutch market 100% compliant. This saves you a lot of hassle — we take care of the backend so you can focus on sales.

The Battery Passport is coming

Legislation continues to evolve. While the new rules for April 2026 are approaching, the next step is already on the horizon: the Digital Battery Passport. From February 2027 onwards, every EV battery will require its own QR code containing information about its origin and the battery’s condition (State of Health).

Your partner in a changing market

At SCL, we closely follow these developments. As your international specialist in vehicle import, we continuously adapt our processes to align with the latest legislation. Whether it's a powerful petrol car, a plug-in hybrid, or the newest EV: you can rely on SCL to handle the import professionally, efficiently, and fully in compliance with regulations.