Briefing 
 

MEPs to vote on banning cadmium from power tool batteries  

MEPs will vote on Thursday on legislation agreed with EU ministers banning the toxic substance cadmium from portable batteries and accumulators used in cordless power tools such as drills, screwdrivers, saws, wrenches and grinders. This ban would apply from 31 December 2016. Mercury would be banned from button cells from autumn 2015.

The new rules would allow existing batteries and accumulators to be marketed until stocks are exhausted. Manufacturers would be need to design appliances to ensure that waste batteries and accumulators can be easily removed, at least by independent professionals.


Procedure: Co-decision (Ordinary Legislative Procedure), first reading
Debate: Thursday 10 October
Vote: Thursday 10 October
#powertools #cadmium #CPT