The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is the mandatory digital identity for products placed on the European market. It is a digital passport linked to individual products, collecting information across the entire lifecycle: composition, environmental impact, and disposal and recycling instructions.

The aim is to provide actors across the value chain with the information needed to support sustainable decisions. For businesses, the DPP is a strategic lever for transparency, competitiveness and innovation, strengthening brand trust.

What the DPP contains

Data typically included in the digital passport covers:

  • Manufacturer and operator identification
  • Unique product identifiers
  • Material origin and composition
  • Usage, maintenance and durability information
  • Environmental data: water consumption, energy use, emissions
  • Repair, reuse and end-of-life instructions

How it works

Products are linked to digital data accessible via QR codes, RFID/NFC chips, or equivalent digital links. Access is differentiated by user type. Data must be dynamic and persistent, remaining available even if the manufacturer ceases operations.

Information must follow shared standards for identification, traceability and supply chain data exchange. This allows companies to integrate DPPs into existing systems without fragmented solutions.

Regulatory deadlines

The ESPR Regulation (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) sets out the implementation roadmap. The first mandatory deadline is 18 February 2027 for batteries, under EU Regulation 2023/1542.

Priority sectors include textiles, electronics, tyres, furniture and materials such as iron, steel and aluminium, with implementation estimated between 2026 and 2030.

Excluded from the obligation: food, feed, medicines, plants, animals and vehicles.

Traceability as a competitive measure

Traceability and digitalisation have become primary competitive measures. Growing regulatory pressure and demand for sustainable products are transforming how companies design, produce and manage products and information throughout the supply chain.

The DPP promotes sustainability through reliable data, increases supply chain transparency, protects brands against greenwashing, and strengthens competitiveness through transparent information management.

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