The new battery EPR landscape in France
The French battery EPR system underwent a major restructuring in 2025. Ecosystem (formerly the WEEE eco-organisation) absorbed Corepile (the main portable battery eco-organisation), creating a single entity managing both WEEE and portable batteries. Screlec continues to operate as the second battery eco-organisation, while Batribox (formerly a Corepile collection brand) has been reintegrated. For industrial and automotive batteries, the landscape includes Screlec and dedicated vehicle recycling networks.
This consolidation simplifies the process for producers of battery-powered consumer electronics. Instead of registering separately for WEEE with Ecosystem and batteries with Corepile, a single registration now covers both obligations. However, the declarations remain separate: you must declare WEEE units by category and battery weight by chemistry type.
Which products trigger battery EPR in France
Any product sold to a French consumer that contains a battery or accumulator triggers the battery EPR obligation. This includes removable batteries (AA, AAA, button cells) and non-removable batteries (lithium-ion in smartphones, lithium-polymer in tablets, NiMH in older devices).
Common product categories affected include smartphones and tablets, laptops and portable computers, Bluetooth speakers and headphones, smartwatches and fitness trackers, electric toothbrushes, portable power banks, electric toys, cordless power tools, e-cigarettes and vapes, electric scooters and e-bikes, and any IoT device with a rechargeable battery.
If your product runs on electricity from a battery, it almost certainly triggers both WEEE and battery EPR in France.
Battery eco-contribution rates by chemistry
Contributions are calculated per kilogram by battery chemistry type. Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries (the most common in consumer electronics) have specific rates. Lead-acid batteries (automotive, industrial) have separate rates. NiMH and NiCd batteries have their own tariff categories. Button cells (zinc-air, silver oxide, lithium) are calculated differently.
The exact rates depend on the eco-organisation chosen (Ecosystem vs Screlec) and the specific battery subcategory. A specialised mandataire ensures you are classified in the correct subcategory to avoid overpayment.
The triple registration for battery-powered products
A battery-powered product sold to French consumers typically requires three separate EPR registrations. Packaging EPR with Citeo for the box and shipping materials. WEEE EPR with Ecosystem or Ecologic for the electronic product itself. Battery EPR with Ecosystem or Screlec for the battery component. Each registration generates a separate IDU number, and all three must be entered in marketplace accounts.
Amazon France checks IDU numbers by product category. Selling in the Electronics category without both a WEEE IDU and a battery IDU can trigger a suspension notice, even if the packaging IDU is valid.
EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 and its French implications
The EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) introduces additional requirements beyond the existing French EPR system. From February 2027, portable batteries in appliances must be removable and replaceable by the end user or an independent professional. QR code requirements for battery passports will apply to EV batteries from February 2027 and to portable batteries from August 2028.
These EU requirements overlay on top of French EPR obligations. Companies that prepare for both simultaneously avoid double compliance costs.
How we manage battery EPR for foreign producers
We handle the combined WEEE plus battery registration through a single process, ensuring correct chemistry classification and optimal eco-organisation choice. We track the evolving EU Battery Regulation requirements and advise on product design implications. Contact us for a comprehensive battery EPR assessment.
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The EU Battery Regulation timeline
February 2027: portable batteries must be removable and replaceable by end users or independent professionals. This affects product design for smartphones, tablets, and wireless earbuds with sealed batteries. August 2027: QR code battery passports required for EV batteries. August 2028: QR code battery passports required for all portable batteries over 1 kWh.
These requirements are separate from French EPR obligations but overlap in terms of producer responsibility. Companies that address both simultaneously avoid duplicate compliance efforts.
Lithium battery safety and the rising costs
The 51 percent increase in Ecosystem WEEE rates for 2025 is partly driven by lithium battery fire prevention costs. Lithium batteries in WEEE collection streams cause fires at sorting facilities, increasing insurance and safety costs that are passed on to producers through higher eco-contributions. Products designed with easily removable batteries qualify for lower rates through the battery separability modulation criterion.
Contact us for combined WEEE and battery EPR management
We handle both WEEE and battery registrations through the merged Ecosystem entity, ensuring optimal classification and maximum bonus exploitation. Request a free assessment covering all your battery-powered products.
Lithium battery safety costs are driving rate increases
The 51 percent increase in Ecosystem WEEE rates for 2025 is partly driven by lithium battery fire prevention costs at sorting facilities. Products designed with easily removable batteries qualify for lower rates through the battery separability modulation criterion. This is a direct financial incentive to design for battery removability, which also aligns with the EU Battery Regulation requirement for user-replaceable batteries from February 2027.
The triple registration challenge and how we simplify it
A battery-powered product sold to French consumers requires three EPR registrations: packaging (Citeo), WEEE (Ecosystem or Ecologic), and batteries (Ecosystem or Screlec). Three separate portals, three declaration formats, three payment schedules. Managing this triple obligation without a dedicated mandataire is time-consuming and error-prone.
Our mandataire service handles all three registrations as a coordinated package. We choose the optimal eco-organisation for each category, file coordinated declarations using consistent product data, and ensure all three IDU numbers are valid and entered in your marketplace accounts. One contact point, three categories managed.
Preparing for the EU Battery Regulation alongside French EPR
The EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) introduces requirements beyond existing French EPR. From February 2027, portable batteries in appliances must be user-removable. From August 2028, QR code battery passports are required for portable batteries over 1 kWh. Companies that address French EPR and EU Battery Regulation requirements simultaneously avoid duplicate compliance costs and future redesign expenses.
Get your battery products compliant now
The combined WEEE plus battery registration through our mandataire service takes 2 to 3 weeks. We handle everything from classification to IDU delivery. Request a free assessment of your battery-powered product range below.
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Fill in your details and we'll get back to you within 24 hours with a tailored proposal.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted by AuditREP.