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Battery Take-Back & Battery Registration: These Obligations Affect Mobility Companies

Written by Alisa Maier | Feb 10, 2026 9:00:00 AM

Battery obligations are not optional – they are a legal requirement

Battery obligations are not a voluntary choice, but a legal requirement. As soon as a company places batteries or battery-powered products on the market, clear statutory obligations apply – regardless of the company’s size.

For the mobility sector, this means:
Anyone who operates electric vehicles must also take responsibility for the end of the battery life cycle.


Who is legally considered a “manufacturer”?

A common misconception: only the battery producer is responsible. In fact, the term “manufacturer” also includes, among others:

    • Companies that place products containing batteries on the market for the first time in a country
    • Providers of sharing or rental fleets
    • Importers of devices or vehicles
    • Brand owners, even if production is carried out by an OEM

As a result, many mobility companies are directly affected – often without realizing it.


Key obligations at a glance

1. Battery registration
Batteries must be registered with the competent authorities before being placed on the market. Without a valid registration, fines may be imposed.

2. Battery take-back
Manufacturers are required to take back used batteries – nationwide and free of charge for end users.

3. Documentation & reporting

    • Quantity reports
    • Evidence of take-back and recycling
    • Ongoing updates in the event of product changes

Why many companies fail

In practice, we repeatedly see:

    • Incorrect battery classification
    • Incomplete registrations
    • Missing or unsuitable take-back solutions
    • Lack of clear internal responsibilities

Especially with multiple product lines, international markets, and growing volumes, battery compliance quickly becomes a permanent burden for legal, operations, or product teams.


Compliance is not a side project

Battery registration and take-back cannot be handled “on the side.” They require:

    • Regulatory expertise
    • Experience with authorities and compliance systems
    • Well-functioning operational processes

This is exactly where many mobility companies reach their limits.


Are your batteries correctly registered? Do you have a legally compliant take-back system in place?
We support mobility companies in fulfilling all obligations in a structured and efficient way.