Omnibus IV: Entry into Application of Battery Due Diligence Obligations Officially Postponed

On 18 July 2025, the Council of the European Union adopted a regulation postponing the application date of due diligence obligations for batteries by two years – to 18 August 2027. In addition, the Commission will be required to publish the relevant guidance one year before these obligations take effect, i.e. by 18 August 2026 at the latest. 

The postponement aims to give companies more time to prepare, particularly with regard to implementing the new environmental requirements and establishing cooperation with third-party verification bodies. In many Member States, the designation and authorisation of such bodies is still delayed. 

This legislative change is part of the Omnibus IV package, which is designed to simplify EU rules and strengthen the competitiveness of European industry. 

Background 

Under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (the EU Battery Regulation), battery producers must establish and implement due diligence policies, have them verified and periodically audited by a third-party verification body, and publicly report on their implementation. The objective is to prevent or reduce adverse environmental impacts, particularly those related to battery supply chains. 

Next Steps 

The new regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union in the coming days and will enter into force the day after its publication. 

The press release of the Council of the European Union is available here.