The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued amendments to the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, effective from February 24, 2025.

Key updates include:

1. Exemption from Packaging Rules:
• Producers must ensure that all batteries or battery packs are appropriately marked with requisite Labeling requirements as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• However, the provisions under clause (ia) will not apply to packaging covered under Rule 26 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
2. Labelling requirements for Producers: 
• Producers can comply with clause (ia) by printing a barcode/QR code with the EPR registration number on the (a) battery or battery pack; or (b) equipment having battery or battery pack; or (c) packaging of battery or battery pack; or (d) packaging of the equipment having battery or battery pack; or (e) bulk packaging of batteries or battery packs, not for retail sale.
• The EPR registration number must be printed on the product information brochure.
• CPCB will maintain and update a public list of compliant producers quarterly.
• The requirement to mark ‘Cd’ (Cadmium) or ‘Pb’ (Lead) on batteries does not apply if:
• Cadmium content ≤ 0.002% (20 ppm)
• Lead content ≤ 0.004% (40 ppm)

These amendments aim to streamline compliance and enhance traceability within the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.