How to calculate EEE weight with batteries
Use a verified weight for each product configuration, exclude packaging and other out-of-scope items, then deduct the batteries. Multiply the resulting EEE unit weight by the relevant UK placed-on-market quantity and reconcile battery deductions with a separate battery ledger. Factory weight checks can be arranged through Cambridge China Bridge.
Define what belongs in the weight
Government guidance requires products containing batteries to be reported as EEE weight minus battery weight, with batteries reported separately by the relevant producer. Our WEEE importing guide covers registration and wider producer responsibilities; this guide focuses on the calculation.
Packaging, instructions and consumables are outside the EEE weight. Include non-electrical items needed for the product to operate as described, such as vacuum cleaner hoses. Separate these from optional accessories before weighing, rather than deducting every non-electrical part.
Verify weights against the supplied configuration
Ask the factory for the model, configuration, unpackaged product weight, whether that weight includes batteries, battery model, battery quantity and total battery weight per product. Request weighing photographs showing the sample identity and scale reading. Record the measurement unit, date and person responsible.
Check production samples against the declared weights during pre-shipment inspection. For a sealed product, ask for an identified battery sample and assembly evidence rather than guessing from capacity. Keep separate records for different battery options, housings and supplied components. Agree component changes through the specification, as explained in our electronics sourcing guide.
Calculate each reporting line
Starting with the verified unpackaged configuration weight including batteries, subtract the battery weight and any other identified out-of-scope contents still included. Multiply the resulting reportable EEE unit weight by the relevant quantity placed on the UK market. If the starting weight already excludes batteries, do not deduct them again.
EEE is placed on the market when it first becomes available for distribution or use in the UK. Government guidance permits sales data only where it is broadly equivalent to placed-on-market tonnage. Document the quantity basis rather than automatically using purchase orders, shipment totals or retail sales.
| Field | What to record |
|---|---|
| Product identity | Model, configuration and production batch |
| Starting unit weight | Verified unpackaged weight and whether batteries are included |
| Deductions | Battery weight and separately identified out-of-scope contents |
| Reportable EEE unit weight | Starting weight less applicable deductions |
| Reporting quantity | UK placed-on-market quantity with supporting records |
| EEE total | Reportable unit weight multiplied by reporting quantity, grouped by category |
Reconcile the separate battery ledger
For each product line, multiply the verified battery weight per product by the matching quantity. Compare that total with the battery deduction in the EEE ledger. Record battery chemistry alongside weight. Use matching product identities and units of measurement so differences can be traced.
Explain differences between this reconciliation subtotal and the complete battery return. Separately supplied spare batteries, battery-free product variants and different reporting periods can make the totals differ. EEE being outside WEEE scope does not remove battery producer responsibility. Use our battery reporting guide for the wider reporting route.
Keep an audit trail and control changes
Government guidance requires accurate EEE records. Keep the weighing evidence, calculation sheet, quantity records, category decision and battery reconciliation together. Add a review field showing who checked the figures before submission.
When the factory changes the battery or product construction, recheck the affected weights and date the replacement record. Preserve the earlier calculation for earlier batches. Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China can check factory samples against the agreed weight schedule and flag discrepancies for the importer to resolve before reporting.
Frequently asked questions
Do I deduct a sealed battery from EEE weight?
Yes. The guidance requires battery weight to be deducted from products containing batteries. For a sealed product, obtain verified battery weight evidence from the factory rather than estimating from capacity.
Can I use the shipping carton weight for WEEE?
Do not use it directly. Packaging is outside EEE weight. Verify the unpackaged configuration, then deduct batteries and any other identified out-of-scope contents still included.
What if the factory weight already excludes batteries?
Record that basis and verify it against the supplied configuration. Do not subtract battery weight again. Keep the battery weight separately for the reconciliation.
Should my battery report equal my EEE battery deductions?
The matching product lines should reconcile. The complete battery return may also include separately supplied batteries or cover a different period. Explain each difference rather than forcing the totals to match.