Producers and importers must legally ensure the collection and processing of their batteries. This is called extended producer responsibility. Anyone who places a battery on the Belgian market for the first time can arrange this via Bebat, for example. The contribution you pay is intended for this purpose.
On 2 September 2026 the rate for rechargeable lithium batteries in an energy storage system (ESS) up to and including 16 MWh is € 2,89 per kilogram excluding VAT. We multiply the applicable rate by the weight of the battery modules covered by the scheme. The contribution is included in the total price.
Why does the Bebat environmental contribution exist?
Anyone who places batteries on the market in Belgium has legal obligations for their entire life cycle. Bebat carries out a large part of that extended producer responsibility for affiliated producers and importers. The participant pays a contribution for this when the battery comes onto the market.
The law therefore creates producer responsibility; the rate of € 2,89 per kilogram is the current Bebat rate for this battery category. The customer is not the one who makes the Bebat declaration, but the contribution can be charged as part of the sales price.
What rate currently applies to a lithium home battery?
Bebat charges rechargeable lithium batteries for energy storage systems per kilogram. Since 1 May 2025, all battery modules of an ESS installation up to and including 16 MWh are subject to this environmental contribution, regardless of the weight of the individual module. Residential home batteries and plug-and-play batteries also fall within that description.
| Battery category | Installation | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Rechargeable lithium ESS | Up to and including 16 MWh | € 2,89/kg excl. VAT |
Which battery weight counts?
According to Bebat, the weight of the battery module bearing the serial number, including the housing, counts. If the inverter or battery management system (BMS) is integrated in the same housing, that integrated part counts in the weight. A separate, external inverter or an external BMS does not count.
If your home battery consists of multiple modules, we add the Bebat mandatory weight of all selected modules together. As a result, the contribution increases when you add extra battery modules.
- Included — the battery module with the serial number and its housing.
- Included — the inverter or the BMS when that component is integrated into the same housing.
- Not included — a separate inverter, external control, separate energy meter or other external part.
This is how we calculate the contribution.
The calculation is simple: Bebat mandatory battery weight × € 2,89 per kilogram. With 50 kg battery weight included, this is 50 × € 2,89 = € 144,50 excluding VAT.
Bebat publishes its rate excluding VAT. In the simulator and quotation we then apply the VAT treatment that applies to your delivery and installation. That is why we do not automatically use the formula × 1,21 for every situation.
We calculate the contribution using the current rate and the weight of the chosen battery modules. If a price or the required battery weight is missing, we will confirm the contribution before showing a total price.
What does the environmental contribution cover?
For this battery category, the environmental contribution is a comprehensive contribution within the Bebat system. Bebat uses the contribution for registration, future collection, processing and recycling.
- Registration and reporting to the three regional authorities.
- The financial guarantee for the future management of the battery.
- Collection, collection, sorting, processing and recycling.
- Where possible, reuse or repurposing.
- Prevention, awareness and communication.
What does the Bebat contribution not prove?
Correct Bebat registration is important, but is not a safety certificate, quality label or general market approval. It says nothing about the quality of the chosen product, the electrical protections or the implementation of the installation.
For a safe home battery, the product specifications, compliance documents, correct dimensioning, installation conditions, electrical connection and the required inspection remain individually important. We handle these parts during the technical preparation and installation.
Short answer
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bebat environmental contribution mandatory?
Extended producer responsibility for batteries is legally required. A producer or importer who is affiliated with Bebat for the implementation thereof declares the battery and pays the applicable contribution. We calculate the contribution for your home battery transparently.
Is the Bebat contribution always € 2,89 per kg?
€ 2,89 per kg excluding VAT is 2 September 2026 the rate for rechargeable lithium batteries in an energy storage system (ESS) up to and including 16 MWh. Bebat may change rates and different rules apply for a different battery chemistry or an installation above that limit.
What weight do you use for the calculation?
We count the weight of each battery module in your configuration that is subject to the Bebat contribution. According to Bebat, this concerns the module on which the serial number is located, including the housing. An external inverter or external battery management system does not count; integrated components in the same housing.
Why don't you always charge € 2,89 × 1,21?
The € 2,89 per kg is without VAT. We multiply that amount by the battery weight that counts towards the contribution. We then apply the VAT scheme that applies to your delivery and installation. Your quote states the correct rate.
Does a paid Bebat contribution prove that the home battery is safe or certified?
No. A correct Bebat declaration shows that the battery is registered within the producer responsibility system. It does not replace product certification, conformity assessment, safe installation or electrical inspection.
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