Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are an important tool for improving sustainability and transparency in product lifecycles. From manufacturing to disposal, DPPs provide a detailed record of a product’s environmental impact, empowering companies, regulators, and consumers to make responsible decisions. But what’s the timeline for implementing DPPs, and how can organizations prepare?
What Is a Digital Product Passport?
Before we jump into the timeline, let’s quickly recap what a DPP is. A Digital Product Passport is a virtual document that stores all essential information about a product’s entire lifecycle. This information is accessible electronically, often through a unique identifier like a QR code or NFC tag attached to the product. It provides reliable, real-time product data to manufacturers, consumers, and regulators to drive transparency and ensure alignment with the EU’s sustainability regulations.
What Data Does a DPP Track?
When it comes to the Digital Product Passport (DPP), think of it as a digital DNA for every product. Each passport holds a rich stream of data that follows a product throughout its entire lifecycle.
At its core, it starts with the basics: the product’s identity (name, model, batch number, and manufacturing date). But it doesn’t stop there. Another key element of the DPP is Material composition. It uncovers exactly what the product is made of, traces the origins of its materials, and identifies the suppliers behind them. Furthermore, it also focus on environmental impact that shows metrics like carbon footprint and energy consumption.
On the regulatory front, the passport includes compliance documentation, proving the product meets environmental and safety standards. For users, it provides value beyond purchase with access to usage manuals, repair history, and maintenance tips. And when the product reaches the end of its life? The DPP ensures a sustainable farewell with clear instructions for recycling, repurposing, or safe disposal.
Digital Product Passport Implementation
The rollout for Digital Product Passports is a phased process, with different industries and regions implementing requirements over time. Here’s a breakdown of key dates and upcoming milestones:
2019
- December 2019: The European Commission introduced the European Green Deal, aiming to make the EU’s economy sustainable by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities. This initiative laid the groundwork for subsequent regulations focusing on product sustainability and circularity.
2020
- March 2020: The European Commission adopted the new Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), one of the main building blocks of the European Green Deal. The CEAP aims to make sustainable products the norm in the EU by focusing on the entire lifecycle of products to keep resources in the EU economy for as long as possible.
2022
- March 2022: The European Commission proposed the ESPR, aiming to establish a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for specific product groups.
- April 2022: The EU officially published the proposal for the ESPR, initiating discussions and consultations among EU institutions and stakeholders.
2024
- April 2024: A plenary vote in the European Parliament will finalize the text of the ESPR, officially setting the regulatory framework for the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
- July 2024: The ESPR goes into effect, laying the foundation for sustainable product requirements, including the development of the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
- Late 2024: In alignment with the ESPR’s objectives, the European Commission established the Ecodesign Forum through Commission Decision (EU) 2024/2779. This expert group serves as the central platform for stakeholder consultation in developing and implementing ecodesign requirements under the ESPR.
2025
- Q2 2025: Once the ESPR Working Plan is adopted, Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 provides clear instructions on how to implement the Digital Product Passport (DPP) system. Article 18 specifies when compliance with these requirements becomes mandatory. The obligations vary depending on the product type. Check the table below to learn more.
2026
- A digital registry for all DPP data will go live within the EU, ensuring centralized accessibility for businesses and regulators. This centralized system will ensure that product information is consistent, reliable, and accessible to all stakeholders.
2027
- Due to their significant impact on sustainability and circularity, DPPs become mandatory for initial high-priority industries, including batteries, textiles, and electronics. The introduction of DPPs in these industries will serve as a model for other sectors in the following years.
2030
- By the end of this decade, all priority industries must fully comply with DPP regulations. This means your business must maintain DPP-compliant systems to ensure complete product traceability and transparency.
Key Milestones in the DPP Rollout
The implementation of the DPP will occur in phases, targeting specific product categories over the coming years. Here’s an overview of the expected timelines for different product categories:
| Product Category | Expected Implementation | Source & Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Batteries | Mandatory from Jan 1, 2026 | Based on the EU Battery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542). |
| Textiles | Phased: 2025–2027 | As outlined in the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles (2022) and the CIRPASS project, the timeline anticipates a Delegated Act by end of 2025, with full rollout expected by mid-2027. |
| Electronics / ICT | Phased: Q2 2025–end of 2027 | Based on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) proposal. Electronics are considered high-priority. ESPR Working Plan is expected by Q2 2025, and implementation would begin by 2026–2027. |
| Construction | Dates to be determined (Regulation adopted in 2022) | The Construction Products Regulation (updated 2022) lays the groundwork for including DPPs, but dates for implementation haven’t been published. |
| Other Products | To be defined in ESPR | The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation includes a framework for DPPs but leaves timing for remaining product groups to be specified through future Delegated Acts. |
Turning Compliance into Opportunity
The Digital Product Passport represents one of the most significant advancements in sustainability and transparency legislation. While the 2027 and 2030 deadlines might seem distant, they’ll arrive faster than you think. Prepare your team, infrastructure, and supply chain for the upcoming changes. By starting early, you’ll ensure compliance and position your business as an innovator in sustainability.
Need help navigating DPP implementation? Icecat, a global leader in open product data, is key in advancing sustainability within e-commerce. It promotes sustainability by providing accurate and transparent product information. Moreover, Icecat has been selected to participate in the European Union’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) electronics working group. Book a consultancy with our experts today if you want to learn more about how Icecat can help your business meet these new requirements and navigate the complexities of EU sustainability regulations.
Kat is a Digital Marketer with a passion for blending creativity with data-driven insights to craft engaging content.
