The basics
What is the EU Digital Product Passport?
The EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a structured, machine-readable record that follows a product through its lifecycle — from raw materials to end-of-life — accessible through a data carrier (typically a QR code) printed on or embedded in the product.
Overview
The DPP is the EU's chosen instrument for bringing transparency and circularity to the products sold in the single market. It carries verified data about a product's composition, origin, repairability, carbon footprint and end-of-life handling.
Why it exists
The DPP sits at the intersection of three EU policy streams:
- The European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, which target a 2050 climate-neutral economy.
- The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which replaced the 2009 Ecodesign Directive in 2024 and extends beyond energy-related products.
- Sector-specific rules (batteries, construction products, textiles) that operationalise the DPP per product group.
Who it affects
Manufacturers & importers
Legally responsible for publishing and maintaining the DPP.
Distributors & retailers
Must ensure the DPP is accessible at the point of sale and online.
Repairers & recyclers
Read the professional layer for disassembly, spare-parts and materials data.
Consumers & authorities
Access the public layer for transparency; market surveillance uses the authority layer.
What a DPP contains
Exact fields are defined per sector by delegated act. A typical DPP includes:
- Unique product identifier, model and batch
- Manufacturer & supply-chain actors
- Material composition and substances of concern
- Durability, reparability and upgradeability data
- Carbon and environmental footprint
- Disassembly and end-of-life instructions
- Compliance documentation and conformity marks
How it is accessed
The DPP is resolved by a data carrier (QR, Data Matrix, NFC, RFID) printed on or embedded in the product. Scanning resolves to a URL hosting the structured data, typically via a GS1 Digital Link or equivalent pattern. Access is tiered: public, professional, and authorities-only.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EU Digital Product Passport?
The EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a structured, machine-readable record of a product's identity, composition, sustainability and lifecycle data, accessible through a QR code or other data carrier on the product. It is mandated by the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 (ESPR) and by sector-specific EU regulations such as the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.
Is the Digital Product Passport mandatory?
Yes, it becomes mandatory per product category as each delegated act enters into force. The Battery Regulation is the first DPP in force (full DPP from 18 February 2027); toys, detergents, textiles and other sectors follow through delegated acts under the ESPR (Regulation (EU) 2024/1781).
Does the DPP apply to non-EU manufacturers?
Yes. The DPP applies to any product placed on the EU single market regardless of where it was made. Non-EU manufacturers must appoint an EU authorised representative or comply via their EU importer.
What data carrier does the Digital Product Passport use?
The ESPR is technology-neutral. Accepted carriers include QR codes, Data Matrix, NFC tags and RFID. Sector delegated acts may restrict the choice — for example, the Battery Regulation requires a QR code on an easily accessible label.
Who can see which data in a DPP?
The DPP uses layered access: a public layer for consumers, a professional layer for repairers, refurbishers and recyclers, and an authorities-only layer for market surveillance and customs. Delegated acts define exactly which fields belong to which layer per sector.
How is the DPP different from CSRD/ESRS reporting?
CSRD covers corporate sustainability disclosure at the company level. The DPP covers product-level data for an individual unit or batch. They overlap on topics like carbon footprint and both support Europe's circular economy goals, but serve different audiences and different legal bases.
When does the Digital Product Passport apply to my product?
The timeline depends on your sector. EV-battery carbon-footprint declaration applies from 18 February 2026; full Battery DPP from 18 February 2027; toys from 1 August 2030; detergents from 23 September 2029; textiles expected in 2028. See the delegated-acts tracker for up-to-date status.