As the European Union (EU) moves towards a climate-neutral and circular economy, the Digital Product Passport (DPP) is emerging as a pivotal tool in ensuring product sustainability and transparency. This initiative, underpinned by the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), mandates that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of electronics and electricals comply with structured data-sharing requirements. Here’s what you need to know about the key requirements for electronic products.

What is the Digital Product Passport?

The DPP is a structured digital dataset that connects physical products to their life-cycle information. Linked via QR codes, barcodes, or RFID tags, it provides accessible, reliable, and verifiable sustainability information. The goal is to make products more durable, repairable, and recyclable while minimizing resource use and waste​.

Key Requirements for Electronics and Electricals

To comply with the EU’s DPP data requirements, a Digital Product Passport should include:

1. Unique Product Identification

• Unique Product Identifier (UID) assigned to each product.

• Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN) in accordance with ISO/IEC or equivalent standards​.

• TARIC Code and other commodity codes for customs and trade purposes.

  
  

2. Compliance and Safety Documentation

• Declaration of Conformity with EU regulations.

• Technical documentation & conformity certificates demonstrating compliance with sustainability and safety directives​.

• Manufacturer & operator details, including importer facility identifiers.

  
  

3. Sustainability and Environmental Data

• Substances of concern used in the product and compliance with REACH regulations.

• Information on material composition to support recyclability.

• Carbon footprint and environmental impact assessment for the entire lifecycle​.

  
  

4. Consumer and Repair Data

• User manuals, installation guides, and safety instructions in digital format.

• Repairability scores & spare parts availability to promote product longevity​.

• Disassembly and recycling instructions to assist treatment facilities.

5. Data Interoperability and Accessibility

• Standardised data formats & exchange protocols to ensure cross-industry compatibility​.

• Role-based access rights to allow different stakeholders to retrieve relevant data securely​.

• Long-term data storage solutions, ensuring information remains accessible beyond the manufacturer’s lifecycle.

Sources

1. https://commission.europa.eu/energy-climate-change-environment/standards-tools-and-labels/products-labelling-rules-and-requirements/ecodesign-sustainable-products-regulation_en#objectives

2. https://www.acquiscompliance.com/blog/eu-new-digital-product-passport-dpp/#:~:text=Construction%20products-,What%20Should%20the%20EU%20Digital%20Product%20Passport%20Cover?,delegated%20acts%20of%20the%20ESPR.

3. https://www.export.org.uk/insights/webinars/the-eu-s-digital-product-passport-new-compliance-requirements-for-manufacturers/