TS EN 61429+A11

TS EN 61429+A11 is a labelling standard for secondary cells and batteries, focused on how the recycling symbol and related markings are presented. It addresses the use of the ISO 7000-1135 recycling symbol together with chemical symbols that indicate the battery’s electrochemical system and with indications referring to EC directives.

Why the marking matters

Symbols printed on batteries act as a visual language for identification and end-of-life handling. Because secondary cells and batteries are rechargeable, they are handled differently from primary cells in use, collection, and recycling. Marking helps users recognise the product’s chemistry and route it to the correct waste stream. This standard is about how that information is displayed; it does not specify battery performance, only the presentation of the marking information.

Technical scope in context

• Covers the conditions for using the ISO 7000-1135 recycling symbol.
• Includes display alongside chemical symbols that identify the battery’s electrochemical system.
• Addresses markings used together with references to EC directives.
• Focuses on labelling and visible presentation for secondary cells and batteries.

In general technical practice, marking standards reduce confusion between battery chemistries, such as lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, or lithium-based systems, which can have different recycling and handling needs. For that reason, the recycling symbol and the chemistry identifier work together: one signals separate collection, the other identifies the system. TS EN 61429+A11 provides the framework for presenting those elements consistently.