Powering Europe's Sustainable Future
As Europe accelerates its shift towards sustainable mobility and energy independence, rechargeable and primary batteries play an increasingly vital role. These technologies are key to supporting innovation and ensuring the resilience of the European Single Market.
European Standardization in Battery Technologies
CEN and CENELEC, through their technical bodies, actively contribute to the development of European Standards that ensure safety, quality, performance, and sustainability across the battery lifecycle.
CLC/TC 21X – Secondary Cells and Batteries
The Technical Committee CLC/TC 21X, Secondary cells and batteries, focuses on rechargeable (secondary) batteries. Working in full alignment with international standards, the committee covers:
- Safety and installation principles
- Performance and application guidelines
- Dimensions and labelling
- Testing methodologies
A flagship deliverable of this committee is the EN IEC 62485 series, which outlines safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations.
CLC/SR 35 – Primary Cells and Batteries
The CLC/SR 35 subcommittee addresses non-rechargeable (primary) cells and batteries. Its work includes:
- Technical specifications and dimensions
- Performance criteria
- Environmental and safety considerations
These standards help ensure that primary batteries used in Europe meet both consumer expectations and sustainability goals.
Supporting the EU Strategic Action Plan on Batteries
All standardization activities in this field are closely aligned with the EU Strategic Action Plan on Batteries, which sets out a roadmap for building a competitive and sustainable battery value chain in Europe. The Action Plan promotes:
- Responsible sourcing of raw materials
- Research and innovation
- Investment and financing
- Harmonized regulatory frameworks and standards
- Skills development across the battery sector
Through its standardization work, CEN and CENELEC are helping position Europe as a global leader in sustainable battery production and use, contributing to the objectives of the European Green Deal and the circular economy.
