As you well know, motorcycle batteries for the most part use sulfuric acid to provoke the necessary chemical reaction that allows the storage cells of the battery to be able to retain the energy required to carry out the electrical function that is entrusted to them.
Sulfuric acid, also known as electrolyte, used to generate this reaction by charging the battery deposits must contain a specific concentration, generally based on the type of battery and its manufacturer, this concentration is usually established between 35% and 45%.
New European regulation that affects the acid in motorcycle batteries.
On February 1, 2021, the new & lt; & lt; Regulation (EU) 2019/1148 of the Council and European Parliament, on commercialization and use of explosives precursors & gt; & gt; in which by means of its annex it has been reclassified to sulfuric acid with a concentration higher than 10% as a precursor substance that can be used for the illicit manufacture of explosives.
To what extent does this change in classification affect motorcycle batteries
The fact that this substance is considered in such a way directly implies the prohibition of its commercialization, possession or use by unauthorized personnel, that is to say; The simple act of selling, buying or possessing sulfuric acid in concentrations above 10% is considered a crime regardless of whether this substance is found in separate bottles or in the containers that are usually supplied with some batteries to be able to refill them more comfortable.
In contrast to this prohibition, the regulation establishes that its sale will be allowed to private customers who are in possession of the so-called EPP license (Explosive Precursor License) to whom, after verification of their identity, this substance may be provided, However, this operation is registered in a specific registry for review by the competent authorities.
Another safeguard to this prohibition is that established for professional workshops, which do not have the need to be in possession of the EPP license as long as they use this substance for purposes related to their trade or business, although they may be required to provide proof of this to the competent authority.
Therefore, can batteries be sold to individuals?
Yes, the sale of the battery is fully allowed, the problem is when the acid necessary for charging and activation is supplied independently, that is, the battery and sulfuric acid cannot be supplied separately to the individual. so that, for example, you activate it at home, this implies that according to the provisions of the Poisons Act of 1972, a substance or mixture is excluded if it is contained in a specific object, which is the same, as if the acid Sulfuric acid is already inside the battery, it is understood that it is being used for a specific use such as that of a generator of the chemical reaction necessary for the activation and charging of the battery, therefore, since it is not used as an explosive precursor, its use in this aspect.
In short, if the sale of the motorcycle battery is allowed as long as it already contains the acid inside, it will be taken care of in an authorized trade at the moment before proceeding to its delivery to the end customer, no in no case delivering the sulfuric acid separately, as we have said.
Can you continue to buy motorcycle batteries online?
Yes, although as we have indicated you will receive it at home with the acid inside and preloaded.
In our store we are already preparing to be able to supply the batteries with the acid inside in a totally safe way and maintain this security both in their transport and in the handling of the logistics operator until they arrive at your home.
In summary ...
As of February 1, 2021, it will be considered a crime to supply and / or possess sulfuric acid in a concentration greater than 10% as long as the EPP license is not possessed or a directly related professional activity is carried out.
As of February 1, 2021, all batteries supplied to the end customer must be served with the electrolyte already charged in their tanks.