Guide · Batteries representative

Batteries: appointing an EPR authorised representative in France is now mandatory for foreign producers

Do you sell batteries in France without being established there? Under the EU Batteries Regulation you must appoint an authorised representative for EPR. Here is what it means and how to do it.

Short answer: under EU Regulation 2023/1542 on batteries (Article 56, applicable since 18 August 2025), a producer established outside France that places batteries on the French market must appoint an authorised representative for EPR — a representative established in France. They register you with an approved producer responsibility organisation, obtain your unique identifier from ADEME, file your reports and follow up. You remain the responsible producer.

Who is concerned?

Any producer placing batteries on the French market — standalone, built into a device, or supplied with a product — that is not established in France (EU or non-EU, including distance selling). The Batteries Regulation replaced the former "batteries and accumulators" and now covers five categories: portable (≤ 5 kg), light means of transport (LMT), SLI (starting, lighting, ignition), industrial (> 5 kg) and electric-vehicle batteries.

Why is it mandatory for batteries?

Because Regulation 2023/1542 requires it. Its Article 56(3) states that a producer not established in the Member State where it makes batteries available must appoint, in writing, an authorised representative for extended producer responsibility. This differs from packaging and WEEE, where a representative is a recommended route but not a general standalone obligation.

What the representative does (and does not)

ADEME registration and your unique identifier.
Membership of an approved organisation and periodic reporting of quantities placed on the market.
Follow-up: point of contact in France, response to audits, updates when your range changes.
What it does not do: it does not advance your eco-contribution and is not subrogated to your obligations. The French Conseil d'État ruled (10 November 2023) that an EPR authorised representative cannot be subrogated to the producer's obligations.

Which organisations are approved in 2026?

Following the Batteries Regulation, approvals were renewed (orders of 11 August 2025, valid until end 2030). Approved organisations notably include ecosystem (which absorbed Corepile) and Batribox (SCRELEC), plus a body dedicated to electric-vehicle batteries. The right organisation depends on your products; we point you to the correct one. Note: "Corepile" is no longer the approved organisation (absorbed by ecosystem) — many online guides are not yet up to date.

How much is the eco-contribution?

There is no single national scale: each approved organisation publishes its own, eco-modulated by technology, weight and eco-design. As an indication, a public 2026 scale places portable batteries around €0.18 to €3.70/kg depending on type, with a minimum annual contribution of about €200 per category. These amounts vary between organisations and are indicative. The eco-contribution is billed directly by the organisation, at no margin: we only charge the representation service.

General information current as of 2026. Not legal or tax advice. The exact scope and applicable scale depend on your products and current approvals; we confirm them before any engagement.

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Is a representative really mandatory for batteries?

Yes. Article 56(3) of EU Regulation 2023/1542, applicable since 18 August 2025, requires a producer not established in France to appoint an authorised representative for EPR. It is an obligation, not merely an option.

Is Corepile still the batteries organisation?

No: Corepile was absorbed by ecosystem following the 2025 approvals. Approved organisations now include ecosystem and Batribox (SCRELEC).