What is a Digital Product Passport?
A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a comprehensive digital record that contains all relevant information about a product throughout its entire lifecycle. Think of it as a product's "digital identity card" that travels with it from creation to disposal, providing transparency about its origins, composition, environmental impact, and end-of-life options.
Unlike traditional product labels that only show basic information, a Digital Product Passport is a dynamic, updatable record that can be accessed by scanning a QR code or NFC tag. It connects physical products to their digital twin, enabling full traceability and supporting the transition to a circular economy.
Key Characteristics of a DPP:
- •Unique identifier linking each physical product to its digital record
- •Accessible via QR code or NFC, readable by consumers and authorities
- •Dynamic and updatable throughout the product's lifecycle
- •Standardized format for interoperability across systems
- •Legally required for products sold in the EU market
The concept of Digital Product Passports emerged from the European Union's commitment to achieving a circular economy by 2050. By mandating transparency about product composition and environmental impact, DPPs enable informed purchasing decisions, facilitate recycling and repair, and help combat greenwashing.
How Does a Digital Product Passport Work?
A Digital Product Passport creates a bridge between the physical product and its digital information. Here's how the system works in practice:
Product Creation
When a product is manufactured, a unique Digital Product Passport is generated containing all required sustainability and traceability data.
QR Code Assignment
A unique QR code or NFC tag is created that links directly to the product's digital passport, then applied to packaging or the product itself.
Consumer Access
Consumers, retailers, or recyclers scan the QR code with any smartphone to access the product's complete sustainability information.
Lifecycle Updates
The passport is updated throughout the product's life—during repairs, resale, or at end-of-life—maintaining a complete history.
The Technical Infrastructure
Behind every Digital Product Passport is a sophisticated data infrastructure. The EU is developing a centralized registry system where all DPPs will be registered and accessible. Key technical elements include:
- GS1 Digital Link: The international standard for encoding product information in QR codes for cross-system compatibility
- Unique Product Identifiers: GTIN, SGTIN, or similar codes that uniquely identify each product unit
- Secure Data Hosting: EU-based servers that store passport data for a minimum of 10 years
- API Integration: Connections to ERP, PIM, and e-commerce systems for automated data collection
- Access Control: Different information layers for consumers, businesses, and regulatory authorities
Key Components of a Digital Product Passport
While specific requirements vary by product category, most Digital Product Passports must include the following information categories:
1. Product Identification
- • Unique product identifier (GTIN, serial number)
- • Product name, model, and variant
- • Manufacturer information and contact details
- • Place and date of manufacture
- • Batch or lot number
2. Material Composition
- • Complete bill of materials
- • Percentage of recycled content
- • Substances of concern (REACH compliance)
- • Hazardous material declarations
- • Material origin and sourcing
3. Environmental Impact
- • Carbon footprint (kg CO₂e)
- • Energy consumption during production
- • Water usage
- • Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) score
- • Environmental certifications
4. Circularity Information
- • Recyclability percentage and instructions
- • Repairability score (where applicable)
- • Spare parts availability
- • Disassembly instructions
- • End-of-life disposal guidance
5. Supply Chain Traceability
- • Supplier information
- • Manufacturing locations
- • Transport and logistics data
- • Certification and audit records
- • Chain of custody documentation
6. Usage & Care
- • Care and maintenance instructions
- • Expected product lifespan
- • Warranty information
- • Repair service locations
- • User manuals and guides
EU Requirements & Regulations
Digital Product Passports are mandated by the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which entered into force in July 2024. This regulation is part of the EU's Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan.
Key Regulatory Framework
- ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation): The primary regulation mandating DPPs for most physical products sold in the EU
- EU Battery Regulation: Specific DPP requirements for batteries, effective February 2027
- EU Green Claims Directive: Requires substantiation of environmental claims, supported by DPP data
- EUDR (Deforestation Regulation): Traceability requirements for products linked to deforestation
- Loi AGEC (France): French national law with additional disclosure requirements
Compliance Requirements
To comply with DPP requirements, businesses must:
- Generate a unique Digital Product Passport for each product (or batch, depending on category)
- Include all data elements specified in the relevant delegated act
- Make the DPP accessible via a QR code or data carrier on the product
- Register the DPP in the EU's centralized registry (when operational)
- Maintain and update the DPP for a minimum of 10 years
- Ensure data accuracy and provide audit trails
Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, including fines up to €500,000+, product bans, mandatory recalls, and exclusion from the EU market. For detailed compliance information, see our ESPR Compliance Guide.
Implementation Timeline 2025-2030
Digital Product Passport requirements are being phased in over several years, with different product categories facing different deadlines:
ESPR Enters Force
The EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation became law in July 2024, establishing the legal framework for DPP requirements.
Delegated Acts Published
The European Commission publishes specific DPP requirements for priority product categories, including exact data fields and technical specifications.
First Mandatory Deadlines
Batteries: DPPs required for all industrial, EV, and e-bike batteries (Feb 2027). Electronics & Textiles: Expected compliance deadlines for these priority categories.
Extended Categories
DPP requirements extend to additional product categories: furniture, construction materials, automotive components, and more.
Full Implementation
DPP requirements apply to nearly all physical products sold in the EU. Full integration with EU customs and market surveillance systems.
Important: While 2027-2030 may seem distant, implementing DPP infrastructure takes 12-18 months for most businesses. Companies should begin preparation in 2025 to ensure compliance by their relevant deadline.
Benefits of Digital Product Passports
While DPPs are a compliance requirement, they offer significant business benefits beyond regulatory necessity:
For Businesses
- • Continued EU market access (€17T market)
- • Competitive differentiation through transparency
- • Improved supply chain visibility
- • Enhanced customer engagement and loyalty
- • Preparation for global regulatory trends
- • Data for ESG reporting and investor relations
For Consumers
- • Informed purchasing decisions
- • Verification of sustainability claims
- • Access to repair and care information
- • Clear recycling and disposal guidance
- • Product authenticity verification
- • Support for circular economy participation
For the Environment
- • Increased recycling rates through better information
- • Extended product lifespans via repair guidance
- • Reduced greenwashing through verified data
- • Incentivized sustainable product design
- • Improved material recovery at end-of-life
- • Support for circular economy transition
For Regulators
- • Efficient market surveillance
- • Streamlined compliance verification
- • Data for policy development
- • Cross-border enforcement cooperation
- • Import control improvements
- • Consumer protection enhancement
Industries Affected by DPP Requirements
Digital Product Passport requirements will eventually apply to most physical products. Priority sectors with the earliest deadlines include:
Batteries
2027
Electronics
2027
Textiles
2027-28
Furniture
2028-29
Construction
2028-29
Cosmetics
TBD
By 2030, DPP requirements are expected to cover nearly all consumer goods placed on the EU market. This includes products manufactured outside the EU that are sold to EU consumers.
How to Implement a Digital Product Passport
Implementing Digital Product Passports requires a structured approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Audit Your Product Data
Start by assessing what product information you already have. Review your ERP, PIM, and supplier data to identify gaps against DPP requirements.
- • Document material compositions
- • Map your supply chain
- • Identify missing sustainability data
Choose a DPP Solution
Select a platform that integrates with your existing systems. For Shopify merchants, Tracehub offers automated DPP generation directly within your store.
- • Evaluate integration capabilities
- • Consider automation features
- • Check EU compliance certifications
Collect Sustainability Data
Work with suppliers to gather environmental impact data. This includes carbon footprint calculations, recyclability assessments, and material certifications.
- • Request supplier sustainability data
- • Calculate carbon footprints
- • Document certifications
Generate Product Passports
Create Digital Product Passports for each product with unique identifiers and QR codes. Automated solutions can generate these at scale.
- • Assign unique identifiers
- • Generate compliant QR codes
- • Create consumer-facing pages
Integrate with Products
Apply QR codes to product packaging, labels, or directly on products. Ensure the passport is easily accessible to consumers and authorities.
- • Design QR code placements
- • Update packaging artwork
- • Train staff on the system
Get Started with Tracehub
For Shopify merchants, Tracehub automates the entire DPP process. Install the app, sync your products, and generate compliant Digital Product Passports in minutes—not months.
Install Tracehub for ShopifyFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Digital Product Passport and a product label?
A Digital Product Passport is a comprehensive, dynamic digital record that can be updated throughout the product lifecycle, while a product label is static printed information. DPPs contain detailed sustainability data, supply chain information, and lifecycle guidance accessible via QR code, far exceeding traditional label requirements.
Do I need a Digital Product Passport if I sell outside the EU?
If you sell products to customers in the EU, you need DPPs regardless of where your company is based. Any product placed on the EU market must comply with ESPR requirements. Additionally, similar regulations are emerging in other regions, making DPPs a global best practice.
How much does implementing Digital Product Passports cost?
Costs vary significantly by approach. Manual implementation with consultants can cost €50,000-100,000+. Automated solutions like Tracehub start from €39/month for Shopify merchants. Per-product costs for QR codes typically range from €0.01-0.05 each. The ROI comes from avoiding non-compliance penalties and maintaining EU market access.
Can I use existing QR codes for Digital Product Passports?
Existing QR codes may need to be updated to comply with DPP requirements. DPP QR codes must link to structured data in a specific format, include unique product identifiers (like GTINs), and connect to the EU's centralized registry. The GS1 Digital Link standard is recommended for interoperability.
How long must I keep Digital Product Passport data?
DPP data must be maintained and accessible for a minimum of 10 years from when the product is placed on the market. For products with longer lifespans, retention periods may be extended. Data must be stored on EU-based servers and remain accessible even if the manufacturer goes out of business.
What happens if my products don't have Digital Product Passports by the deadline?
Products without valid DPPs after the applicable deadline cannot legally be sold in the EU. Penalties include fines up to €500,000+, product recalls, customs seizures, and potential criminal liability for executives. Additionally, retailers and B2B buyers are increasingly requiring DPP compliance from suppliers.
Start Your DPP Journey Today
Digital Product Passports represent a fundamental shift in how products are documented, tracked, and communicated to consumers. While the compliance deadline may be 2027-2030 depending on your product category, the complexity of implementation means businesses should begin preparation now.
Whether you're a small Shopify merchant or a large manufacturer, the right DPP solution can make compliance straightforward and even beneficial to your business operations.
Ready to create your Digital Product Passports?
Tracehub helps Shopify merchants automate DPP compliance. Generate compliant Digital Product Passports in minutes with our AI-powered platform.