Timeline Overview
The EU's Digital Product Passport requirements are rolling out in phases from 2024 to 2030. Understanding this timeline helps you plan your compliance strategy and avoid last-minute rushes.
ESPR Law Enters Force
Legal framework established
Delegated Acts Published
Product-specific requirements defined
First Mandatory Deadlines
Batteries, electronics, textiles
Extended Categories
Furniture, construction, more
Full Implementation
Most products covered
The phased approach gives businesses time to prepare, but early preparation is essential. Implementation typically takes 12-18 months, meaning preparation for 2027 deadlines should begin now.
2024: The Foundation Year
July 18, 2024
ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) officially entered into force
The EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation became law in July 2024, replacing the previous Ecodesign Directive. This regulation establishes the legal framework for Digital Product Passports and sets the stage for product-specific requirements.
What Happened in 2024
- • ESPR regulation published in the Official Journal of the European Union
- • 20-day waiting period before entry into force
- • European Commission began drafting delegated acts
- • Industry consultations started for priority product categories
- • Technical standards development initiated
While no products required DPPs in 2024, forward-thinking businesses began their preparation, auditing product data and evaluating compliance solutions.
2025-2026: The Preparation Period
These years are critical for preparation. The European Commission is publishing delegated acts that define exactly what each product category must include in their Digital Product Passports.
Key Activities 2025-2026
Regulatory Development
- • Battery delegated act finalized
- • Textile requirements published
- • Electronics specifications released
- • Technical standards adopted
Business Preparation
- • Data collection from suppliers
- • System implementation
- • Staff training
- • Pilot DPP generation
Why Start Now?
Businesses that wait until delegated acts are published will have only 12-18 months before compliance deadlines. Starting preparation now—based on draft requirements and industry best practices—provides a significant advantage.
2027: First Mandatory Deadlines
2027 marks the first year when Digital Product Passports become mandatory for specific product categories. This is the year when compliance moves from preparation to enforcement.
February 18, 2027 - Battery Passport
Digital Product Passports become mandatory for industrial batteries, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and light means of transport (LMT) batteries with capacity above 2 kWh.
- • Unique identifier and QR code required
- • Carbon footprint declaration mandatory
- • Recycled content disclosure required
- • State of health data for used batteries
H2 2027 - Electronics & ICT
Electronics and ICT products expected to require DPPs in the second half of 2027. Exact date pending delegated act publication.
- • Smartphones, tablets, laptops
- • Servers and data storage
- • Displays and monitors
- • Repairability information required
Late 2027 - Textiles
Textile products expected to require DPPs by late 2027 or early 2028. Requirements being defined under EU Strategy for Sustainable Textiles.
- • Clothing and footwear
- • Home textiles
- • Material composition disclosure
- • Fiber traceability
2028-2029: Category Expansion
Following the initial rollout, DPP requirements extend to additional product categories. Businesses in these sectors should use 2025-2027 to prepare.
Furniture
Expected 2028
- • Material composition
- • Durability information
- • Disassembly instructions
- • Recyclability data
Construction Materials
Expected 2028-2029
- • Cement and concrete
- • Steel and metals
- • Insulation materials
- • Environmental declarations
Automotive Components
Expected 2028-2029
- • Spare parts
- • Tires
- • Recycled content
- • End-of-life handling
Packaging
Expected 2029
- • Recyclability scoring
- • Recycled content
- • Material identification
- • Sorting instructions
2030: Full Implementation
By 2030, Digital Product Passport requirements will cover the majority of physical products sold in the EU market. This represents the full realization of the EU's circular economy vision.
What 2030 Looks Like
- • Comprehensive coverage: Most physical products require DPPs
- • Integrated systems: EU registry fully operational
- • Customs integration: DPP verification at borders
- • Consumer adoption: Scanning DPPs becomes normal behavior
- • Circular economy: DPPs facilitate recycling and reuse at scale
Deadlines by Product Category
Use this quick reference to find the expected DPP deadline for your product category:
| Category | Expected Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Batteries (industrial, EV, LMT) | February 18, 2027 | Confirmed |
| Electronics & ICT | H2 2027 | Expected |
| Textiles & Clothing | Late 2027 / Early 2028 | Expected |
| Furniture | 2028 | Projected |
| Construction Materials | 2028-2029 | Projected |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | 2029-2030 | Projected |
| Most Other Products | By 2030 | Projected |
Note: "Expected" dates are based on announced timelines but await delegated act publication. "Projected" dates are estimates based on EU policy documents. Always verify current status with official EU sources.
How to Prepare for Your Deadline
With deadlines approaching, here's a preparation roadmap based on how much time you have:
18+ Months Before Deadline
- • Audit current product data and identify gaps
- • Evaluate DPP solutions and select platform
- • Begin supplier outreach for sustainability data
- • Assign internal compliance responsibility
12 Months Before Deadline
- • Implement DPP generation system
- • Create pilot DPPs for test products
- • Establish data collection workflows
- • Train relevant staff
6 Months Before Deadline
- • Generate DPPs for all affected products
- • Integrate QR codes into packaging workflow
- • Test consumer-facing passport pages
- • Prepare for regulatory audits
Get Started Today
Don't wait until the last minute. Tracehub helps you start DPP compliance now, with automated data collection and AI-powered passport generation.
Start Free with TracehubFrequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Products without valid Digital Product Passports cannot legally be sold in the EU after the applicable deadline. Penalties include fines up to €500,000+, product bans, customs seizures, and potential criminal liability. Market surveillance authorities actively enforce these requirements.
Can deadlines change?
Yes, deadlines can shift based on delegated act publication timelines. However, they typically move later, not earlier. The February 2027 battery deadline is confirmed, while others may adjust slightly. Planning for announced dates is the safest approach.
Do existing products need DPPs?
Generally, DPP requirements apply to products placed on the market after the deadline. Products already in inventory may have transitional provisions. However, for ongoing sales and new production, DPPs become mandatory from the deadline date.
I sell multiple product categories. Which deadline applies?
Each product category has its own deadline. You'll need to prioritize compliance for categories with earlier deadlines (batteries, electronics, textiles) while preparing for later categories. A phased approach, starting with priority products, is recommended.
Don't wait for your deadline
Start your DPP compliance journey today. Tracehub helps Shopify merchants generate compliant Digital Product Passports in minutes.