New EU rules for batteries and connected devices: what changes for buyers in 2026 and 2027
The Battery Regulation brings QR codes and battery passports from February 2027. The Cyber Resilience Act covers devices with an app. What is certain and what is still our reading.
The Battery Regulation from 18 February 2027
Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 brings several obligations into force on 18 February 2027. All batteries must carry a QR code that leads to information about them. Batteries for light means of transport, electric vehicles and industrial batteries above 2 kWh need a digital battery passport. Portable batteries, defined as up to 5 kg, must become removable and replaceable.
Our reading, not an official interpretation: the battery pack of a power station above about 1 kWh weighs more than 5 kg, so it is probably an industrial battery in the sense of the regulation. Power stations above 2 kWh and balcony batteries of 1.6 to 2.7 kWh would then need a passport. We have not found Commission guidance that confirms this, and we will update this article when it appears.
Devices with an app: the Cyber Resilience Act
Power stations and balcony batteries with Wi Fi and an app are products with digital elements under Regulation (EU) 2024/2847. Since 11 September 2026, manufacturers must report actively exploited vulnerabilities, also for products already on the market. From 11 December 2027 the full requirements apply, including security updates and CE marking under the new rules. An EU expert report has also recommended limiting high risk suppliers of inverters, including small balcony units, but this is only a recommendation for now.
What it means when you buy
None of this makes a battery you buy today illegal to use. It does give you two practical questions for the seller: how long the manufacturer promises security updates for the app, and whether the device works without the cloud if the app disappears. Ask both, and keep the answers. The EU has also recommended, in Recommendation (EU) 2026/1007, that member states remove permits and barriers for plug in batteries and balcony systems up to 800 W. It is not binding, and national rules still decide.