On August 21, 2026, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs published an updated guidance document to support preparation for the Digital Batteries Passport under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.

The guidance, Version 2.0 dated August 15, 2026, consolidates 71 data points applicable to electric vehicle batteries, light means of transport batteries and industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2 kWh. For each battery category, the document indicates whether a data point is mandatory, optional, applicable only in certain circumstances, or does not need to be filled or displayed as of February 2027, and identifies the relevant legal source.

The guidance is expressly non-binding: it does not extend rights or obligations under applicable legislation and does not introduce additional requirements. The underlying legal obligations remain those of the Batteries Regulation.

From February 18, 2027, covered batteries placed on the EU market or put into service must have a battery passport under Article 77, while Article 13(6) requires the relevant QR code to provide access to that passport.

The update is therefore primarily an implementation-planning tool for manufacturers, importers and other responsible economic operators preparing data collection, IT systems and reporting processes.

Impact assessment: Low Impact. Non-binding guidance; no new or amended legal obligations.

Key reasons: It consolidates 71 data points and clarifies applicability by battery category ahead of February 18, 2027.

Who is affected?

Manufacturers, importers and other operators responsible for covered EV, LMT and industrial batteries, plus conformity-assessment and market-surveillance stakeholders.

Conclusion:

Use the guidance to validate data inventories, ownership and digital-system readiness; the underlying legal requirements remain unchanged.