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Lisa Stafford
21 May 2025
What Is a Digital Product Passport?
A Digital Product Passport serves as a digital identity for products, storing essential information such as material composition, carbon footprint, and repair instructions. Accessible via QR codes, barcodes, or RFID tags, the DPP enables stakeholders to make informed decisions throughout a product's lifecycle.
The DPP aligns with the EU's European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, aiming to reduce waste, cut emissions, and promote circularity.
Legal Foundation and Timeline
The DPP is mandated under Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, replacing the 2009 Ecodesign Directive. Key milestones include:
18 July 2024: ESPR enters into force.
16 April 2025: Adoption of the first ESPR and Energy Labelling Working Plan.
By 19 July 2026: EU-wide Digital Product Passport Registry to be operational.
2026–2030: Progressive enforcement through delegated acts.
The Working Plan identifies priority product groups for which the EU will develop ecodesign requirements over the next few years.Â
Batteries Lead the Way
The EU Battery Regulation (EU 2023/1542)Â sets a precedent for DPPs, establishing a "Battery Passport" for rechargeable industrial and electric vehicle (EV) batteries above 2 kWh.
Key features include:
Unique identifier for each battery.
Lifecycle data on raw materials, recycled content, carbon footprint, and performance.
Role-based access controls for different stakeholders.
Integration with the broader DPP registry under the ESPR.
This model serves as a blueprint for DPP implementation across other sectors.
Electronics & Electricals: A Key Target of the EU's DPP Rollout
Electronics and electricals are central to the EU’s Digital Product Passport initiative. Under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), this product group is one of the first to be regulated through upcoming delegated acts meaning compliance will be required from 2026 onwards.
The ESPR Working Plan 2025–2030, published on 16 April 2025, confirms that electronics and electricals fall into several high-priority categories. These include:
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)Â products e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops, servers
Consumer electronics e.g., TVs, audio systems, streaming devices, smart speakers
Small and large household appliances e.g., dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, fridges
Energy-related products e.g., EV chargers, electric motors, displays, standby devices
Professional-use electronics e.g., imaging equipment, AV systems, and event technology
These categories cover virtually all entertainment and media electronics, from portable devices to fixed installations used in retail, hospitality, studios, and live events.
Electronics & Electricals: Who's Next?
The ESPR applies broadly to physical goods in the EU. The 2025–2030 Working Plan prioritises the following product groups:
Final products:
Textiles & apparel
Tyres
Furniture
Mattresses
Intermediate products:
Iron & steel
Aluminium
Horizontal requirements:
Repairability (including a standardized repair score)
Recycled content and recyclability
Spotlight: Entertainment and Media Electronics
Entertainment electronics fall within the scope of the ESPR. Products such as displays, mobile devices, light sources, imaging equipment, and audio-visual devices are included.Â
Responsibilities for Manufacturers
Manufacturers and importers of electronics and electricals should:
Understand Ecodesign criteria: durability, reparability, recyclability, and carbon footprint.
Prepare for DPP data collection, including product identifiers, material origins, and sustainability metrics.
Integrate systems to connect DPPs with PIM, ERP, or CRM platforms.
Comply with conformity requirements: CE marking, technical files, and EU declarations.
Maintain records for 10 years, including product traceability and complaints.
Educate teams and customers on DPP usage.
What Does a DPP Service Provider Do?
A DPP service provider is a third party authorised to host, process, and deliver product passport data. Responsibilities include:
Ensuring data security, accuracy, and availability.
Managing role-based access for different stakeholders.
Supporting interoperability through open standards and common formats.
Operating independently and without vendor lock-in.
Providing backups in case the original manufacturer ceases operation.
Final Thoughts
Digital Product Passports represent a significant step toward product sustainability and supply chain transparency in the EU. With the adoption of the 2025–2030 Working Plan, manufacturers and technology providers must begin preparations to ensure compliance and competitiveness in the evolving market.
Need assistance implementing a DPP solution for your products?
At TAZAAR, we specialise in DPP pilots, implementation and adoption for electronics and electricals with our AssetID platform.
Contact hello@tazaar.io for a no commitment 30 minute no product demo consultation on how you can best equip and benefit from Digital Product Passports.
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