Skip to content

Digital Product Passports: Everything You Need to Know

The European Union's Digital Product Passport (DPP) is set to transform how businesses share product information across the value chain. Here's what every SME needs to know to prepare for this fundamental shift in product transparency.

What is a Digital Product Passport?

A Digital Product Passport is a structured digital record that contains comprehensive information about a product throughout its lifecycle. Think of it as a digital twin of your product's documentation - accessible via QR code or NFC chip, containing everything from material composition to repair instructions.

Key Components of a DPP

  • Product identification - Unique identifiers and basic product information
  • Material composition - What the product is made of
  • Manufacturing data - Where and how it was produced
  • Sustainability metrics - Carbon footprint, recyclability scores
  • Repair information - How to fix and maintain the product
  • End-of-life handling - Recycling and disposal instructions

Why is the EU Introducing DPPs?

The Digital Product Passport is a cornerstone of the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The goals are ambitious:

  1. Enable circular economy - Make it easier to repair, refurbish, and recycle products
  2. Combat greenwashing - Provide verifiable sustainability claims
  3. Empower consumers - Give buyers access to product information
  4. Support enforcement - Help authorities verify compliance

Who Will Need a Digital Product Passport?

The DPP requirements will be rolled out in phases, starting with specific product categories:

Phase 1 (2027-2028)

  • Batteries (already in effect under Battery Regulation)
  • Textiles and apparel
  • Electronics and ICT equipment

Phase 2 (2028-2030)

  • Furniture
  • Construction products
  • Chemicals

Phase 3 (2030+)

  • Additional product categories as defined by delegated acts

SMEs Are Not Exempt

While some regulations provide exemptions for small businesses, the DPP requirements apply based on the product, not the company size. If you manufacture or import products in covered categories, you'll need to comply.

What Information Must Be Included?

The exact requirements vary by product category, but typical DPP data includes:

Product Identification
├── Unique product identifier (UUID)
├── Product model/type
├── Manufacturer details
└── Country of origin

Sustainability Data
├── Carbon footprint (kg CO2e)
├── Recyclability score (%)
├── Recycled content (%)
└── Durability rating

Circularity Information
├── Repair instructions
├── Spare parts availability
├── Disassembly guide
└── Recycling instructions

Compliance
├── Applicable standards
├── Test reports
├── Certifications
└── Declaration of conformity

How to Prepare Your Business

Step 1: Assess Your Product Portfolio

Identify which of your products will fall under DPP requirements:

  • Review product categories against ESPR scope
  • Map your supply chain for data collection
  • Identify data gaps in current documentation

Step 2: Establish Data Collection Processes

You'll need systems to collect and manage:

  • Bill of materials (BOM) data
  • Supplier sustainability information
  • Manufacturing process data
  • Product testing results

Step 3: Choose Your Technology Partner

The DPP must be:

  • Accessible via unique identifier (QR code, NFC, etc.)
  • Machine-readable and interoperable
  • Secure and tamper-evident
  • Connected to the EU's central registry

Start Now

Even if your product category isn't covered until 2028 or later, the data collection requirements mean you should start building systems now. It's much easier to add data fields to existing processes than to retroactively gather historical information.

Common Questions

Will I need a DPP for every individual product?

For most categories, yes. Each product unit will have a unique identifier linking to its passport. For some high-volume, low-value items, batch-level passports may be permitted.

What if my suppliers won't share data?

This is a common concern. The ESPR includes provisions for supply chain transparency, and many suppliers are already preparing to share data. Consider:

  • Updating supplier contracts to include data requirements
  • Working with industry associations on data standards
  • Using third-party verification where direct data isn't available

How long must I maintain the DPP?

Typically for the expected lifetime of the product plus a buffer period (often 10+ years). Data must remain accessible even if your company changes ownership or ceases operations.

The Bottom Line

The Digital Product Passport represents a significant shift in how businesses manage and share product information. For SMEs, the challenge is real but manageable with proper preparation.

Key takeaways:

  1. Determine if and when your products will require DPPs
  2. Start collecting supply chain data now
  3. Invest in digital systems for data management
  4. Consider the DPP as an opportunity, not just a compliance burden

Need help preparing for Digital Product Passport requirements? Sustalium's platform helps SMEs manage certifications and compliance data in one place. Learn more.