Portable battery removability and replaceability derogations

Delegated regulation adopted under Article 11(4) of the Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (C(2026) 5031) that replaces Article 11(2) and widens the list of products whose portable batteries may be designed to be removable and replaceable only by independent professionals: washable appliances, including wearables, designed to operate mainly in environments with regular water splashes, streams or immersion; professional medical imaging and radiotherapy devices and in vitro diagnostic devices; wearables where end-user access would compromise safety, durability or water resistance owing to size or sealed enclosure; electric toys with rechargeable batteries (until 2030-07-31); wireless food thermometer probes; equipment within the scope of Directive 2014/34/EU; on-body delivery systems for subcutaneous medicinal products; and roof-mounted telematics devices on agricultural and construction machinery. Except for medical devices, each derogation applies only where needed to ensure the safety of the user and the appliance. Published in the OJ on 2026-10-22, in force from 2026-11-11; Article 11 applies from 2027-02-18.