Act on the Placing on the Market, Collection, and Environmentally Sound Disposal of Batteries and Accumulators (Battery Act 2021 - BattG2)

The amendment to the Battery Act (BattG2) came into effect on January 1, 2021, thereby automatically repealing the Battery Act (BattG), which had been in force since 2009. It transposes the European Battery Directive into national law and establishes mandatory collection targets for common used batteries. Notably, it restricts the use of cadmium and mercury.

The responsibility for the collection and disposal of used batteries and accumulators remains with manufacturers, importers, and distributors. The collection of used batteries is largely carried out through retail channels. Since January 1, 2021, all manufacturers and importers are required to register with the Stiftung elektro-altgeräte register (Stiftung ear).

Schukat electronic Vertriebs GmbH (Schukat) is currently not classified as a manufacturer or importer of batteries under the definition of BattG2. Schukat electronic Vertriebs GmbH diligently fulfills its obligations as a distributor under the Battery Act. As a distributor, we are required to accept used batteries from end users free of charge at or near our location. This obligation is limited to used batteries of the type that we currently or formerly offered as new batteries in our product range, and to quantities typically disposed of by end users. Since January 1, 2020, Schukat has organized the collection of device batteries through CCR REBAT, Dornach (www.rebat.com).

End users are legally obligated to return used batteries. To indicate that these cells must not be disposed of in household waste at the end of their life cycle, batteries or accumulators are marked with the symbol of a crossed-out wheeled bin. This symbol signifies that batteries or accumulators must not be disposed of in household waste at the end of their life cycle. If batteries or accumulators contain mercury, cadmium, or lead, the respective chemical symbol (Hg, Cd, or Pb) is displayed below the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol.

The information provided herein has been carefully researched and compiled. However, no guarantee is given for the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the information. In particular, no legal claims can be derived from the use of this information.