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New Euralarm Position Paper on EU Battery Regulation

Euralarm has published an updated position paper on Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, providing guidance to Market Surveillance Authorities and industry stakeholders on how batteries used in fire, life safety and security systems should be classified under the new EU Battery Regulation.

The Regulation introduces a framework that categorises batteries by intended design and use rather than chemistry. Euralarm welcomes the Regulation’s sustainability objectives, while highlighting the need for consistent interpretation in safety-critical applications. In its position paper, Euralarm explains that batteries used as secondary or standby power sources in fire and security control panels, power supply units and alarm transmitters should be considered industrial batteries by design and intended use, regardless of whether they weigh less than 5 kg.

The paper outlines that these batteries are professionally placed on the market, installed, maintained and disposed of within business-to-business service chains. They form an integral part of systems that distribute stored electrical energy during power failures, a use case explicitly aligned with the Regulation’s understanding of industrial batteries. Euralarm also points to alignment with interpretations from European waste and environmental authorities, which recognise batteries for alarm systems in professional contexts as industrial.

A key concern addressed is the impact on the vast installed base of fire and security systems across Europe. While such systems typically remain in service for decades, their backup batteries require replacement every few years. Euralarm stresses that continued availability of the specified battery types is essential to maintain certified performance, reliability and safety. Any disruption in supply could directly affect millions of existing installations in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Euralarm states that batteries used in fire, life safety and security panels as standby power sources fall under industrial use and therefore are not subject to certain substance restrictions applicable to portable batteries. The association underlines that professional handling already ensures appropriate end-of-life treatment, while urging regulators to preserve market availability so that critical safety systems can continue to operate as designed. The full position paper can be downloaded from the Euralarm website.

Download the updated positio n paper on EU Battery Regulation here.

About Euralarm

Euralarm represents the electronic fire and security industry, providing leadership and expertise for industry, market, policy makers and standards bodies. Our Members make society safer and secure through systems and services for fire detection and extinguishing, intrusion detection, access control, video monitoring, alarm transmission and alarm receiving centres. Founded in 1970, Euralarm represents over 5000 companies within the fire safety and security industry valued at 67 billion Euros. Euralarm Members are national associations and individual companies from across Europe.

More information: www.euralarm.org

About the Author

Dave Staddon

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Dave Staddon - Publisher
Co-Founder of MDM Publishing Ltd. He has worked in fire publishing for close to 30 years. The company's portfolio includes International Fire Protection, International Fire Fighter, Asia Pacific Fire, Gulf Fire & UK Fire.

Dave Staddon

Dave Staddon - Publisher Co-Founder of MDM Publishing Ltd. He has worked in fire publishing for close to 30 years. The company's portfolio includes International Fire Protection, International Fire Fighter, Asia Pacific Fire, Gulf Fire & UK Fire.