Introduction to EU Battery WEEE Icon Size and Placement

Is your battery label printed correctly?

Starting August 2024, all batteries entering the EU market must display the new standard — the crossed-out wheeled bin icon.

Incorrect sizing or missing Cd/Pb chemical symbols can lead to product removal or destruction.

This article quickly explains how big the icon should be, where to place it, and how to ensure compliance in one go.

1️⃣ Legal Basis

①　Document:Regulation (EU) 2023/1542

②　Relevant Clauses:Article 13, paragraphs 4 and 5

③　Purpose:To improve recycling rates and reduce environmental harm

2️⃣ Required Icons

①　Crossed-out wheeled bin icon

②　Chemical symbols (Cd or Pb) if cadmium or lead content exceeds legal limits

3️⃣ Crossed-Out Wheeled Bin Icon Requirements

For General Batteries:

①　Use the standard icon as per Appendix VI

②　Preferably print on the battery body

③　Size: At least 3% of the largest side area, but no larger than 5 cm × 5 cm

For Cylindrical Batteries:

①　Same icon and location as general batteries

②　Size: At least 1.5% of the total surface area, with a maximum of 5 cm × 5 cm

For Ultra-Small Batteries:

①　Same icon style

②　If printing on the battery body is not possible, place the icon on the packaging instead

③　Size: At least 1 cm × 1 cm

> Note: The maximum icon size must never exceed 5 cm × 5 cm.

4️⃣ Chemical Symbol Requirements

If the battery contains certain hazardous substances above threshold levels, you must include chemical symbols as follows:

Cadmium (Cd):

①　Applies when cadmium content is greater than 0.002%

②　Place the “Cd” symbol directly below the crossed-out bin icon

③　The area of the symbol should be at least one-quarter (1/4) of the bin icon’s area

Lead (Pb):

①　Applies when lead content is greater than 0.004%

②　Same placement and sizing as cadmium symbol

5️⃣ Practical Checklist for Compliance

①　Download official icon templates from the EU Battery Regulation Appendix (link below)

②　Measure the battery carefully and select the correct icon size version

③　Verify the battery composition report to see if Cd/Pb chemical symbols are necessary

④　Before printing, test durability and clarity to ensure labels stick firmly and are legible

⑤　If the battery is too small for the icon on the body, print the icon on packaging — packaging must be sold together with the battery

6️⃣ Consequences of Non-Compliance

①　Regulatory warnings and notifications

②　Product removal from sale

③　Additional costs for destruction or returns

7️⃣ Further Resources

Full official regulation (in English):

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02023R1542-20240718

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