Germany-based global testing and certification company TÜV SÜD has launched its digital battery passport for Europe — saying it will be a “trailblazer” for a functioning circular economy in the sector.

TÜV SÜD said on October 7 its passport, with a designated ‘DBP’ certification mark, aims to reliably guide manufacturers, market players and authorities through a complex regulatory environment and establish measurable trust in digital product data.

DBP will provide a range of information on batteries including origin, material composition, carbon footprint, performance and durability — plus data on expected service life, recyclability, safety and conformity certificates such as CE marking.

A number of organisations are already involved in developing tech to set up DBPs including Dukosi, as featured earlier this year in Batteries International and the Global Battery Alliance.

DBP is the first mandatory implementation of the overarching ‘digital product passport’ (DPP) that was set up under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

TÜV SÜD said while the DPP provides a generic framework for product-related digital life-cycle data, the EU Battery Regulation sets out specific and legally binding requirements for a particular product group for the first time.

The regulation, which was the successor to the EU’s Battery Directive, has been applicable in all EU member states since August 2023. It covers the entire life cycle of batteries from manufacture through to use and recycling — with mandatory requirements to comply with sustainability, safety, and transparency rules.

“Companies that adopt verified and certified solutions early on will secure market access and the trust of customers, partners, and authorities.” TÜV SÜD said.

Batteries International reported in 2024 that the certification firm had become the sole owner of TÜV SÜD Battery Testing, after buying the remaining 30% stake held by German company LION Smart, a subsidiary of LION E-Mobility.

Earlier this year, public decision-makers, industrial leaders and solution providers came together for the very first Battery Passport Conference — a day dedicated to forward-looking insights at the heart of new European regulations.

Conference director Ken Davies, writing for Batteries International, revealed his belief that the EU battery passport is a game changer for the future of batteries in Europe.