GS Yuasa informs the industry of new changes in government legislation relating to motorbike battery acid packs.
At the beginning of the new year, there will be far-reaching legal changes we would like to inform you about with this message. With the new EU Regulation 2019/1148 coming into force, there will be changes in the way acid packs/motorcycle batteries can be sold in the EU.
In this context, GS Yuasa informs the industry of new changes to state legislation, which will make it illegal for members of the public from February 1st, 2021 to purchase a separate acid pack, which is also sold with motorcycle batteries, without being in possession of an official licence.
Sulphuric acid is now classified as a regulated substance (Annex I of the regulation). As of February 1st 2021, members of the public who wish to acquire, possess or use sulphuric acid with a concentration of more than 15% will need an official licence. Thus, in order to buy a motorcycle battery with a separate acid pack, consumers will have to apply for and receive a valid official licence before purchasing, for which up to approx. € 2,000 will be charged.From the cut-off date (February 1st 2021), it is considered an offence to possess or use sulphuric acid with a concentration of more than 15% without a valid official licence. This also applies to bottles of battery electrolyte that have not yet been filled into a motorcycle battery.
It is common practice to sell motorcycle batteries with a separate acid pack, ready to fill and activate. More than 75% of all Yuasa and GS motorcycle batteries are sold as a combined pack, which are therefore covered by the new law, resulting in far-reaching consequences for retailers (both retail and online).
GS YUASA believes it is unlikely that consumers will apply for an official licence just to purchase an acid pack. As a result, retailers will need to fill any motorcycle batteries before selling them to members of the public who do not have a valid official permission.
Distributors and dealers (commercial users) will not need an official licence if they acquire, import, possess or use sulphuric acid for purposes related to their business.
It is common practice to sell motorcycle batteries with a separate acid pack, ready to fill and activate. More than 75% of all Yuasa and GS motorcycle batteries are sold as a combined pack, which are therefore covered by the new law, resulting in far-reaching consequences for retailers (both retail and online).
GS YUASA believes it is unlikely that consumers will apply for an official licence just to purchase an acid pack. As a result, retailers will need to fill any motorcycle batteries before selling them to members of the public who do not have a valid official permission.
Distributors and dealers (commercial users) will not need an official licence if they acquire, import, possess or use sulphuric acid for purposes related to their business.
However, all companies have an obligation to report any suspicious transactions (both business to business and to members of the public) as well as the disappearance and theft of sulphuric acid. This also applies to sulphuric acid contained in batteries.
Dealers who sell acid packs separately or along with dry batteries to members of the public having an official licence must follow a comprehensive procedure to verify the official licence of the customer and to record the transaction in that licence.
Possession without official licence or the supply of restricted substances without verifying that the member of the public has a valid official licence may be punishable by a custodial sentence of 5 years and a large fine. Failure to include the details of the transaction in the official licence has a maximum fine of €50,000. Failure to meet the reporting requirements can attract a fine or a custodial sentence of up to 5 years.
As of today, the regional state offices of criminal investigation in the Federal Republic of Germany are the contact persons for you and your questions. Any reports (including loss or theft reports) will also be accepted by local police stations. Responsibilities in neighbouring European countries may differ, but Regulation (EU) 2019/1148 applies accordingly there.
Please take this information as an occasion to inform your customers accordingly and to implement any necessary changes to your operational sales procedures.
Dealers who sell acid packs separately or along with dry batteries to members of the public having an official licence must follow a comprehensive procedure to verify the official licence of the customer and to record the transaction in that licence.
Possession without official licence or the supply of restricted substances without verifying that the member of the public has a valid official licence may be punishable by a custodial sentence of 5 years and a large fine. Failure to include the details of the transaction in the official licence has a maximum fine of €50,000. Failure to meet the reporting requirements can attract a fine or a custodial sentence of up to 5 years.
As of today, the regional state offices of criminal investigation in the Federal Republic of Germany are the contact persons for you and your questions. Any reports (including loss or theft reports) will also be accepted by local police stations. Responsibilities in neighbouring European countries may differ, but Regulation (EU) 2019/1148 applies accordingly there.
Please take this information as an occasion to inform your customers accordingly and to implement any necessary changes to your operational sales procedures.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your known contact persons at GS Yuasa.
About GS YUASA Battery Germany GmbH (www.yuasa.de):
GS YUASA is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of rechargeable batteries with production facilities worldwide and an extensive marketing and distribution network in Europe. The wide range of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries covers most well-known industrial applications, such as security and alarm systems, UPS and emergency lighting systems as well as OEM equipment. The three business units include Industrial (industrial batteries for standby and cyclic applications), Automotive and Motorcycle (automotive and motorbike starter batteries).
GS YUASA Battery Germany GmbH, founded in 1983 as YUASA Battery (Europe) GmbH, is based in Krefeld and serves 15 countries within Europe from there.
GS YUASA Battery Germany GmbH, founded in 1983 as YUASA Battery (Europe) GmbH, is based in Krefeld and serves 15 countries within Europe from there.
GS YUASA is sponsor of the Yamaha Teams im Motocross GP.
GS YUASA is sponsor of the Repsol Honda Teams HRC in der MotoGP.
GS YUASA is sponsor of the GERT56 Racing Teams.
