New Euralarm Position Paper on EU Battery Regulation
The Regulation introduces a framework that categorises batteries by intended design and use rather than chemistry. Euralarm welcomes the Regulation’s sustainability objectives, while highlighting the need for consistent interpretation in safety-critical applications. In its position paper, Euralarm explains that batteries used as secondary or standby power sources in fire and security control panels, power supply units and alarm transmitters should be considered industrial batteries by design and intended use, regardless of whether they weigh less than 5 kg.
The paper outlines that these batteries are professionally placed on the market, installed, maintained and disposed of within business-to-business service chains. They form an integral part of systems that distribute stored electrical energy during power failures, a use case explicitly aligned with the Regulation’s understanding of industrial batteries. Euralarm also points to alignment with interpretations from European waste and environmental authorities, which recognise batteries for alarm systems in professional contexts as industrial.
A key concern addressed is the impact on the vast installed base of fire and security systems across Europe. While such systems typically remain in service for decades, their backup batteries require replacement every few years. Euralarm stresses that continued availability of the specified battery types is essential to maintain certified performance, reliability and safety. Any disruption in supply could directly affect millions of existing installations in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
Euralarm states that batteries used in fire, life safety and security panels as standby power sources fall under industrial use and therefore are not subject to certain substance restrictions applicable to portable batteries. The association underlines that professional handling already ensures appropriate end-of-life treatment, while urging regulators to preserve market availability so that critical safety systems can continue to operate as designed. The full position paper can be downloaded from the Euralarm website.
