New EU Regulation: The Digital Product Passport – (EU) 2024/1781
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) will become mandatory with Regulation (EU) 2024/1781. Find out what this means and what deadlines apply.
1. What is the Digital Product Passport?
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a central element of Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products, which came into force on July 18, 2024. The goal of the DPP is to provide comprehensive digital information about a product to transparently represent its entire lifecycle—from manufacturing to disposal. This aims to extend product lifespans and support the circular economy.
It will be mandatory for products sold in the European internal market and is intended to promote the circular economy and minimize the environmental impact of products.
According to the Regulation, product-specific requirements will come into effect by July 19, 2025. These requirements will be defined through delegated acts by the European Commission, focusing primarily on sectors such as electronics, textiles, and batteries.
2. At a Glance – What Do We Already Know?
Known:
Focus industries: The DPP will initially be introduced in the fields of electronics, batteries, and textiles, as these sectors have significant environmental impacts and are particularly relevant for the circular economy. For these industries, the regulation will take effect on July 19, 2025.
Legal basis: The Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 defines the legal framework for the introduction of the DPP, including requirements for data content and technologies.
Technology usage: The DPP relies on technologies such as QR codes, RFID tags, and blockchain systems to ensure traceability and transparency.
Uncertainties:
Exact deadlines: While there is speculation that mandatory introduction in other sectors could begin in 2027, a precise timeline remains to be seen.
Data content: The specific data to be included in the product passport will be regulated by product-specific measures developed by the European Commission.
Implementation costs: The financial impact on companies, especially SMEs, is not yet fully predictable.
3. What Can Companies Prepare for Today?
Even though many details are still being developed, companies can already take steps to prepare for the introduction of the DPP:
Collect material and product data: Companies should consolidate and digitize existing product data. A centralized system for documenting this data will facilitate later integration.
Review relevant standards: Utilize standards such as ISO/IEC 11179-1, which help harmonize data structures and ensure future compatibility with DPP requirements.
Implement sustainability strategies: Revise products and production processes to make them more sustainable and circular. Repairability and recycling should be prioritized.
Build technological infrastructure: Investments in technologies such as RFID systems or blockchain can facilitate future compliance with DPP requirements.
Involve the supply chain: Companies should collaborate with partners in the supply chain to ensure seamless traceability and data collection.
The Digital Product Passport aims to make the entire value chain more transparent and sustainable. Companies that act today can not only save costs but also gain a competitive advantage.
