Batteries in Portugal

Last Updated:	2004-03-31
Report Contents
-   Summary -   Additional Marking Requirements -   Operational Details -   Laws & Regulations -   Contacts

Introduction

The Portuguese Decree No. 62/2001 implements the EU Directive 91/157 on Batteries and Accumulators Containing Certain Substances, O.J. L 78 (March 26, 1991), as amended by Directive 93/86 and Directive 98/101. It prohibits the placing on the market of certain batteries and imposes take-back obligations on producers, importers and retailers. The legislation also establishes marking requirements and appliance design requirements for batteries and accumulators containing the following hazardous substances:

• 25 mg of mercury per cell, except alkaline manganese batteries


• 0.025% of mercury by weight, for alkaline manganese batteries


• 0.005% of mercury by weight, if placed on the market after January 1, 1999


• 0.025% of cadmium by weight


• 0.4% of lead by weight

Decrees No. 571/2001 and 572/2001 set out specific requirements in relation to collection and recycling targets, research topics and promotional activities.

Decree No. 62/2001 prohibits the placing on the market of batteries and accumulators containing more than 0.0005 % of mercury by weight, after January 1, 2000. Button cells, and batteries composed of button cells, containing no more than 2% of mercury by weight are exempt. Additional exemptions are in place for permanently fixed batteries and certain medical, scientific and professional devices.

Batteries and accumulators are subject to markings indicating separate waste collection, heavy metal content and if appropriate, recycling marking requirements. Batteries must be easily removable from appliances when spent and accompanied by instructions on how to remove and dispose of correctly. Distributors and retailers of batteries and accumulators must accept, free of charge, the return of used batteries and accumulators of the same type as those sold. Producers and importers are required to collect batteries and accumulators from distributors and ensure that they are treated by an authorised establishment. In addition, certain reporting requirements have to be met. Both take-back and reporting obligations can be transferred to a collection scheme.

Defined Restrictions:
The Decree prohibits the placing on the market of batteries and accumulators containing more than 0.0005 % of mercury by weight, after January 1, 2000.

Exemptions

Button cells and batteries consisting of button cells with no more than 2% of mercury by weight are exempt.