What is Digital Product Passport

A digital product passport (DPP) is a digital document that contains information about a product’s performance, sustainability, and circularity. It can be accessed through a QR code, NFC chip, or RFID tag. Think of digital product passports as a digital “history” for each product, with information on everything from the manufacturer, supply chain, and materials to characteristics, repair instructions, and disposal options. The goal is to make the entire lifecycle of a product transparent to all key stakeholders, including producers, retailers, and consumers.

A brief history

Digital Product Passports were introduced as part of the European Union’s broader push for a circular economy. The concept was first outlined in March 2022, when the European Commission proposed the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR): a key initiative under the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan.

The idea is simple: if we know what a product is made of and how it was produced, it becomes easier to repair, recycle, or reuse it. DPPs are designed to make that information accessible in a standardized, digital format.

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation officially came into force in July 2024. From here, the EU will roll out DPP requirements sector by sector, starting with high-impact industries like textiles, electronics, and batteries. The first mandatory DPPs are expected by 2026, with full implementation across all the agreed sectors by 2030.

Good to know

It’s important to know that DPPs aren’t just an “EU thing.” While the regulations are being created and enforced within the European Union, any company that sells products in the EU (regardless of where they’re based) will need to comply. That means brands, manufacturers, and retailers outside the EU will also have to adopt DPPs if they want to access the European market.

It’s also worth noting that exactly how DPPs will work technically is still being finalized. As of now, no final universal schema exists, but the European Commission and various industry stakeholders are actively working on pilot programs and prototypes. Batteries are the first products that’ll need a Digital Product Passport, starting February 18, 2026, and we’ll know a lot more when they’re rolled out.

Know more

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of information is included in a DPP?
It depends on the product category, but DPPs will typically include material composition, origin of raw materials, certifications, repair instructions, recyclability, and environmental impact data.
Are DPPs mandatory?
DPPs aren’t mandatory (yet) for most industries, but that’s changing. The EU is rolling out requirements for Digital Product Passports starting with batteries, electronics, and textiles in 2026 (with more sectors expected to follow) for anyone selling in the EU.
What will happen if I don’t meet DPP requirements?
Depending on the case, authorities can issue warnings, order recalls, or even require the product to be destroyed. You could also face fines or be temporarily banned from public procurement opportunities.
How is a DPP different from a datasheet?
A datasheet focuses on technical specs for evaluation and purchase. A DPP focuses on traceability, sustainability, and lifecycle management. They serve different (but sometimes overlapping) purposes.