Battery Passports Are Coming in 2027. What Does This Mean for UK Businesses?

From 18 February 2027, new EU regulations will require certain batteries to have a digital battery passport. The aim is to improve traceability, making it easier to access information about a battery throughout its working life.

With lithium-ion batteries now widely used in everything from electric forklifts to e-bikes and industrial equipment, these changes could have implications for manufacturers, suppliers and businesses managing large battery fleets.

But what exactly is changing, and will the same rules apply in the UK?

What is a battery passport?

A digital battery passport is an electronic record linked to an individual battery and accessible through a QR code.

It will provide information such as the battery's manufacturer, chemistry, performance, materials and lifecycle. Some information will be publicly accessible, while more detailed data will be restricted to authorised users.

From February 2027, the requirement will apply to certain batteries placed on the EU market or put into service, including:

Electric vehicle batteries, including those used in electric cars and commercial vehicles.
E-bike and e-scooter batteries, classified as light means of transport (LMT) batteries.
Industrial batteries over 2 kWh, including many electric forklift batteries.

The requirement isn't exclusive to lithium-ion batteries. Other battery chemistries may also fall within these categories.

Will battery passports become mandatory in the UK?

Although the EU has confirmed its February 2027 deadline, the position in the UK is slightly different.

The EU Batteries Regulation applies in Northern Ireland, meaning the relevant battery passport requirements will also take effect there.

For England, Scotland and Wales, there is currently no equivalent confirmed deadline.

However, in October 2026, the UK Government confirmed plans to consult on bringing UK battery regulations more closely into line with EU requirements. This could include digital battery passports, QR codes, updated labelling and further recycling requirements.

For businesses supplying batteries into the EU, the changes may already be relevant, regardless of where the business is based.

You can read more in the UK Government's official guidance on EU battery regulations.

What happens to batteries already in use?

There are already millions of batteries in circulation, particularly in electric vehicles, warehouses and commercial fleets.

Take an organisation operating hundreds of electric forklifts or a company managing a fleet of rental e-bikes.

These batteries won't automatically require a passport simply because February 2027 arrives. However, batteries that are subsequently remanufactured or repurposed may become subject to additional requirements.

It also raises a wider question for businesses: what happens when these batteries reach the end of their working life?

Batteries may need to be inspected, repaired, replaced or sent for recycling. During that time, they still need to be handled and stored appropriately, especially if they're damaged or defective.

Battery traceability is improving. But what about storage safety?

A battery passport will make it easier to access information about a battery, but it won't eliminate the risks associated with storing or handling it.

Lithium-ion batteries can present serious fire risks if damaged, defective or exposed to unsuitable conditions.

For businesses managing lithium batteries, it's worth considering how batteries are stored, how damaged units are identified and what procedures are followed when batteries are removed from service.

As battery technology and regulations continue to develop, existing storage arrangements may also need reviewing.

At Emtez, we supply lithium-ion battery storage cabinets and specialist transport solutions to help businesses manage battery-related risks. The appropriate solution will depend on the battery type, condition and intended use.

While battery passports are a positive step towards greater transparency, businesses still need suitable physical safety measures in place.

After all, knowing where a battery came from is one thing. Knowing how to manage it safely is another.

If your business is reviewing its lithium battery storage or transport arrangements, get in touch with the Emtez team to discuss your requirements.

Further information and official guidance

For businesses wanting to understand the upcoming regulations in more detail, the following official resources provide further information:

Information correct as of November 2026. Businesses should refer to the latest official guidance for their specific regulatory obligations.

Battery Passports 2027: What UK Businesses Need to Know | Emtez