Corepile and Screlec: Navigating Battery & Accumulator EPR in France

Battery EPR is one of the simplest French EPR streams to scope but one of the most frequently missed by non-EU electronics sellers. Any battery placed on the French market triggers the obligation: loose units sold for retail (replacement batteries, coin cells), batteries inside devices (sealed or removable), and accumulators for electric mobility products.

This article covers the practical setup for non-EU producers.

Scope of battery EPR in France

The French battery stream applies to:

• Portable batteries: AA, AAA, 9V, button cells, coin cells, single-use and rechargeable.
• Embedded batteries in devices: lithium cells in smartphones, tablets, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones, hearing aids, electric toothbrushes.
• Larger lithium accumulators: portable power stations, e-bike batteries, e-scooter batteries (when sold separately or as device replacement).
• Industrial and automotive batteries: separate sub-stream with specific rules.

The portable battery sub-stream is the most common for non-EU consumer electronics producers.

Corepile vs Screlec

Two eco-organisms operate the portable battery stream:

Corepile is the historical and dominant operator. Founded in 2003, it covers the broadest range of portable batteries and works with the largest collector network across France.

Screlec is the competitor, accredited since 2010. Smaller market share, similar scope, slightly lower tariffs.

For most non-EU producers the choice between Corepile and Screlec is not material. Pick whichever your representative recommends.

Registration flow

Standard non-EU producer flow:

1. Authorized representative engaged (mandate signed electronically, same day).
2. Battery scope assessed: loose units sold + units embedded in devices.
3. Dossier filed with Corepile or Screlec.
4. IDU issued, published to SYDEREP within 2-3 weeks.
5. Annual declaration filed by 28 February for prior year battery tonnage.

Cost example

Non-EU consumer electronics seller shipping €1M/year of small electronics with embedded batteries to France:

• Representative on Batteries + WEEE + Packaging: €490 × 3 + €249 × 3 × 12 = €10,434 Year 1, €8,964 Year 2+.
• Corepile membership: ~€100/year.
• Ecosystem WEEE membership: ~€200/year.
• Citeo packaging: ~€150/year.
• Eco-contribution on batteries (~50 kg embedded lithium): ~€100-€300/year (low; lithium per kg is small).
• WEEE + packaging eco-contributions: see /blog/weee-france-ecosystem-vs-ecologic.
• Year 1 total for the three streams: ~€12,000-€14,000.

Common operational issues

Filing WEEE but not batteries. WEEE covers the device; batteries covers the cells inside. Two separate IDUs required. Marketplaces verify each independently.

Skipping coin cells. Producers selling devices with small CR2032 coin cells (watches, key fobs, calculators, fitness trackers) sometimes assume the coin cells are out of scope. They are not.

Declaring only loose batteries. If your catalog sells replacement batteries AND devices with embedded batteries, both volumes count. Declarations need to include both.

Mistaking battery chemistry. Eco-contribution rates differ by chemistry. Lithium pays more per kg than NiMH; lead-acid pays differently again. Accurate chemistry declarations capture correct rates.

FAQ

Do I have to register batteries even if they are sealed inside a device I sell?

Yes. The battery EPR obligation applies to any battery placed on the French market, including embedded batteries inside another device. A Bluetooth speaker with a non-removable lithium cell triggers separate batteries EPR alongside the WEEE registration for the device itself. Two filings, one representative.

Corepile or Screlec — which one do I choose?

Corepile is the largest and has the broadest scope; it is the default for most non-EU producers. Screlec is the alternative, with slightly lower tariffs at scale. Both are accredited and produce valid IDUs. The choice rarely matters operationally — pick based on whichever your representative recommends.

Do button cells (CR2032, AG13) count?

Yes. Coin cells and button batteries are in scope. Any chemistry, any size — alkaline, lithium, NiMH, lead-acid — falls under battery EPR. Single units sold in blister packs, and units embedded in devices, both trigger the obligation. The eco-contribution per unit is small but registration is required.

Register batteries + WEEE + packaging together

We file Corepile (or Screlec), Ecosystem (or Ecologic) and Citeo under a single representative mandate. Flat €490 setup + €249/month per stream — /pricing. Send your battery types and device catalog to /contact for a written quote in 24 hours.