Manufacturers of batteries in Brazil will now be responsible for their products throughout their entire lifecycle, from production, transportation and storage until their final safe disposal, in accordance with new regulations adopted by the national environment authority. The Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) has established that battery producers and importers must submit annual reports detailing the procedures followed, and that packaging must inform buyers of the changes made to comply with the new requirements.

“This new measure improves on previous regulations and is aimed at raising greater awareness and promoting better control. Now consumers will have to do their part through proper disposal,” IBAMA environmental quality director Fernando da Costa Marques told Tierramérica.