The European Commission officially released the fourth batch of simplified comprehensive plans on May 21, postponing the effective date of the supply chain due diligence obligations for lithium-ion batteries (LiB) in the EU Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation ((EU) 2023/1542) by two years to August 18, 2027. This adjustment is intended to buy more time for lithium-ion battery manufacturers and lithium-ion battery suppliers to cope with the procurement and compliance pressure of key raw materials such as cobalt, natural graphite, and lithium, while optimizing the details of regulatory enforcement.The extension eases the short-term pressure on lithium-ion battery suppliers in terms of supply chain transparency and certification systems, but long-term compliance requirements have not been relaxed. Despite the extension of the regulations, the EU's tightening direction for battery carbon footprint and circular economy remains unchanged.
