Battery compliance

Safety

Warnings

• Do not disassemble/crash/squeeze or throw into fire: Tampering with a battery can cause it to leak, overheat, or explode.
• Do not use the battery if there is severe bulging: If a battery shows signs of severe bulging, it’s likely damaged and could be dangerous.
• Do not place in high temperature environment: Batteries should not be exposed to high temperatures, as this can reduce their lifespan and potentially cause them to malfunction.
• Do not use the battery after immersion in water: Batteries that have been immersed in water should not be used, as water can damage the internal components and lead to safety risks.

In case of fire due to burning batteries

Lithium-ion battery fires are dangerous due to extreme heat, toxic fumes, and potential explosions. While standard ABC and dry chemical fire extinguishers can be used, specialized F500EA extinguishers are more effective.

Carefully place the burning battery pack outdoors to allow it to burn out completely.

Hazardous substances

This battery is compliant with relevant laws and regulations regarding hazardous substances in batteries, for example:

• REGULATION (EU) 2023/1542 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 12 July 2023 concerning batteries and waste batteries, amending Directive 2008/98/EC and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Directive 2006/66/EC

EU Declaration of Conformity

The EU Declaration of Conformity demonstrates compliance with the requirements of the new EU Battery Regulation.

Learn more about the Declaration of Conformity.

Our work with Due Diligence

Supplier program

Our supplier program involves the selection, qualification, and periodic assessments of new suppliers. The engagement covers the entirety of the contract period. We strive to manage long-term relationships through specific governance plans set for each supplier.

Suppliers are qualified based on several factors such as quality management systems, environmental management systems, requirements in the Code of Conduct, including human rights, among other things.

Before engagement, they are mandatorily assessed on social factors such as zero tolerance to child labor and forced labor, overtime, and workers’ freedom to associate and collectively organize without retaliation. They are also benchmarked on environmental factors such as handling of hazardous waste, energy management, and pollution.

Our scope extends to indirect suppliers of materials and services, predominantly in Europe and the US, emphasizing the importance of upholding high ethical and environmental standards.

Sustainability and Due Diligence expectations are clearly stated in the Supplier and partner Code of Conduct, which follows the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA – formerly the EICC) Code of Conduct, which is an industry standard for companies in the electronics industry. The aim is to ensure that all suppliers and their subcontractors assume environmental and ethical responsibility, that working conditions are safe and fair, and workers are treated with respect and dignity. Our Supplier and partner Code of Conduct requires all suppliers to respect human rights in the spirit of internationally recognized standards, including the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Based on a risk assessment by geographical location, production type, and by portion of Tobii’s purchasing, our suppliers are audited yearly and evaluated to ensure these expectations are being met. We work closely with any supplier that does not meet our standards to solve issues impacting compliance and aim for continuous improvement to indirectly address risks down the supply chain.

Controversial sourcing

Tobii recognizes the risks connected with certain minerals originating from high-risk areas and their link to conflict funding and human rights violations. Our Supplier Code of Conduct promotes responsible purchasing of tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold to ensure conflict minerals do not directly or indirectly finance or stem from controversial sources. The Code also requires suppliers to secure compliance in their respective supply chains. Our commitment extends beyond direct partners to include subcontractors and other indirect partners throughout our supply chain, ensuring that we do not purchase or use conflict minerals in our products.

Information on the prevention and management of waste batteries

Waste batteries are considered hazardous waste under environmental protection regulations.

Proper management is crucial to prevent contamination and protect human health. In the EU, we comply to the new battery regulation, which aim is to promote a circular economy by

regulating batteries throughout their life cycle. It establishes even end-of-life requirements, including collection targets, material recovery goals, and extended producer responsibility.

On top of this, it sets limits for the use of harmful substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. The Battery Regulation requires manufacturers, distributors, or importers of batteries to contribute to the cost of disposing of the batteries.

The Waste Ordinance mandates that producers (those responsible for placing batteries on the market) take financial and organizational responsibility for the collection and treatment of waste batteries. This obligation ensures that batteries are properly managed throughout their lifecycle, from use to disposal. We have partnered with local organizations within the European Union to avoid unnecessary transport of batteries for take-back. Read more about our
producer responsibility.

Understanding the Environmental and Health Impact of Batteries: Proper Usage and Recycling

It is important to use the battery only in the way intended and to properly recycle it end of life. This is due to the impact batteries have in general on the environment and health:

Health and Environmental Impact of Batteries in general

Environmental Impacts:

• Contamination: Improper battery processing and disposal can contaminate soil, water, and air.
• Leaching: Battery materials may release harmful substances into nearby ecosystems.
• Disintegration: As batteries break down, toxic components can disintegrate, releasing hazardous chemicals.
• Violent Incidents: Battery fires and explosions pose risks to both the environment and human safety.

Human Health Risks:

• Human Exposure: Improper disposal exposes humans to harmful substances through contact, inhalation, or ingestion.
• Carcinogenic Potential: Some battery chemicals and heavy metals may act as carcinogens.
• Toxicity: Exposure to battery materials affects vital organs and overall health.

Proper disposal and effective recycling practices are essential to mitigate risks.

Disposal: Separate Handling of batteries

• Users and consumers must separate waste containing batteries from other general waste.
• Batteries should not be disposed of in regular household trash bins or mixed with other materials.
• Proper sorting prevents contamination and allows for efficient recycling.
• Usually, you can recycle your rechargeable portable batteries through drop-off locations, at various retailers and stores that sell batteries, and even supermarkets.