Definition

The EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a regulatory framework introduced under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) that requires manufacturers and importers to attach machine-readable identity records to physical products sold in the EU market. The DPP contains information about a product's materials, components, repairability, recyclability, and environmental impact. It is accessed via a QR code, RFID tag, or barcode attached to the product, and must be readable by consumers, repair businesses, recyclers, and regulatory authorities.

The ESPR entered into force on 18 July 2024, replacing the previous Ecodesign Directive. It gives the European Commission the power to set ecodesign requirements for specific product categories through delegated acts — legally binding regulations that specify the exact DPP requirements for each product type. The first delegated acts are expected to cover batteries, textiles, electronics, and furniture.

The DPP is significant for business identity verification because it requires manufacturers to include verified business identity information in the product record. A manufacturer cannot create a compliant Digital Product Passport without a verified digital business identity — specifically, a legal name, registration number, and country of establishment that can be cross-referenced against a business registry. This creates a direct link between product compliance and business identity verification.

How the EU Digital Product Passport works

The EU Digital Product Passport works through a data carrier (QR code, RFID, or barcode) attached to the physical product that links to a machine-readable data record stored in a compliant data registry. The data record contains standardised information about the product, including the manufacturer's identity, the product's materials and components, its environmental impact, and instructions for repair, reuse, and recycling.

The manufacturer identity layer. Every DPP must include the manufacturer's legal name, registration number (e.g., a national business registry number), and country of establishment. This information must be verifiable — meaning it must be cross-referenceable against an authoritative business registry. Manufacturers that do not have a verified digital business identity cannot create compliant DPPs.

The product data layer. The product data layer contains information specific to the product: its unique product identifier, materials and components, energy consumption, repairability score, recyclability information, and any hazardous substances. This data must be kept up to date throughout the product's lifecycle.

The data registry layer. DPP data must be stored in a compliant data registry that meets EU data governance requirements. The European Commission is developing a common framework for DPP data registries, but manufacturers may also use approved third-party registries.

Why the EU Digital Product Passport matters for business identity

The EU Digital Product Passport matters for business identity because it creates a regulatory requirement for verified manufacturer identity that applies to any business selling physical products in the EU market. This is not a voluntary process — it is a legal requirement with significant penalties for non-compliance.

For manufacturers, the DPP creates a direct incentive to establish a verified digital business identity. A manufacturer that does not have a verified business identity cannot create compliant DPPs and therefore cannot sell its products in the EU market. This makes business identity verification a prerequisite for EU market access, not just a best practice.

For importers and distributors, the DPP creates a supply chain verification requirement. Importers must verify that the manufacturers they source from have compliant DPPs — which means verifying that those manufacturers have verified digital business identities. This creates a cascade of business identity verification requirements throughout global supply chains.

Frequently asked questions

What is the EU Digital Product Passport?

The EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a regulatory framework introduced under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) that requires manufacturers and importers to attach machine-readable identity records to physical products. The DPP contains information about a product's materials, components, repairability, recyclability, and environmental impact.

When does the EU Digital Product Passport come into force?

The EU Digital Product Passport is being phased in by product category. Battery passports are required from February 2027 under the EU Battery Regulation. Textile passports are expected from 2030. Electronics and furniture passports are expected from 2030–2031.

Does the EU Digital Product Passport apply to non-EU businesses?

Yes. The EU Digital Product Passport applies to any product sold in the EU market, regardless of where the manufacturer is based. Non-EU manufacturers and importers that sell products in the EU must comply with DPP requirements for their product categories.

How does the EU Digital Product Passport relate to business identity verification?

The EU Digital Product Passport requires manufacturers to include verified business identity information in the product record — specifically, the manufacturer's legal name, registration number, and country of establishment. This means that manufacturers need a verified digital business identity before they can create compliant Digital Product Passports.

What is the ESPR regulation?

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is the EU regulation that establishes the legal framework for the Digital Product Passport. It entered into force on 18 July 2024 and replaces the previous Ecodesign Directive.

Sources and further reading

1. Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) — EUR-Lex
2. EU Battery Regulation — EUR-Lex
3. Digital Product Passport — European Commission
4. Organization Schema — Schema.org