EU Directive on batteries and accumulators changed

The exemption for so-called button cells with more than 0.0005 percent mercury expires in October, 2015. The exemptions for batteries and accumulators containing more than 0.0002 percent by weight of cadmium in cordless power tools for maintenance, construction or gardening will expire on January 1, 2017.

After expiry of the exemption date it states that old stocks are allowed to be sold. Also, the design requirements with respect to the easy disposal of electrical and electronic equipment built-in batteries and accumulators expanded and a new requirement on the instructions for the devices.