What is a Digital Product Passport?

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital data set that bundles all relevant information about a product throughout its entire life cycle – from materials and manufacturing to use and repair to recycling and disposal. As part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the DPP is gradually being introduced as mandatory for many product groups in the EU.

What product data is required for the Digital Product Passport?

The specific requirements depend on the product category. Typical data includes:

  • Product identification (GTIN, serial number, model)
  • Manufacturer and supplier information
  • Material composition
  • Information on hazardous substances
  • Carbon footprint / environmental indicators
  • Repair and maintenance information
  • Disassembly and recycling instructions
  • Proof of conformity and certification

The aim is to promote transparency, sustainability and the circular economy, as well as to efficiently meet legal requirements.

The regulation applies in all 27 EU Member States. As things stand, there are no special regulations for other countries, unless they adopt similar requirements nationally or through trade agreements.

Importers and distributors outside the EU who wish to bring goods into the EU or distribute them there must also ensure that the products receive a valid Digital Product Passport.

Important aspects of compliance

 

  • The detailed requirements (which data, structure, formats) are laid down in delegated acts of the EU Commission.
  • After publication of a delegated act, companies are usually given a transition period (e.g. 12–18 months) within which they must implement DPP data.
  • Failure to comply may result in market access restrictions or sanctions, e.g. in customs processes or market reviews.

 

What challenges are there with implementation?

 

  • Incomplete supplier data
  • Lack of standardisation
  • High coordination effort along the value chain
  • Integration into existing IT systems

However, with a clear data strategy and structured processes, these challenges can be overcome in the long term.

How do you prepare product data for the digital product passport?

Preparing your product data is the crucial step for successful DPP implementation. The following approach has proven successful:

1. Conduct a data inventory

  • Record all existing product-related data sources (ERP, PLM, PIM, Excel files, supplier databases).
  • Identify data gaps with regard to regulatory requirements.

2. Ensure data quality

  • Check the completeness, consistency and timeliness of the information.
  • Standardise data formats (e.g. units, material descriptions).
  • Avoid duplicate or conflicting data records.

3. Integrate the supply chain

  • Define clear requirements for your suppliers.
  • Implement standardised data exchange formats.
  • Ensure that sustainability and material data are verifiable.

4. Structure and standardise data

  • Use established classification and identification systems.
  • Organise product information throughout the entire life cycle.
  • Prepare machine-readable formats (e.g. JSON, XML).

5. Define governance and responsibilities

  • Appoint data controllers.
  • Define processes for continuous updating.
  • Integrate DPP processes into existing compliance workflows.

6. Review technical infrastructure

  • Evaluate whether existing systems meet DPP requirements.
  • Plan interfaces for data exchange and QR/data carrier integration.
  • Consider IT security and data protection.

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