ESPR & DPP guide
Digital Product Passport Data Requirements
A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a structured set of product data, reached via a data carrier such as a QR code linked to a unique product identifier, carrying sustainability and circularity information. The exact fields are set per product group in its delegated act, but the categories of data a DPP carries are already clear.
TL;DR
- A DPP is a machine-readable product dataset reached via a data carrier (QR, GS1 DataMatrix, RFID or NFC) linked to a unique product identifier.
- It carries identification, composition, substances of concern, durability, footprint and end-of-life data.
- Access is differentiated: consumers, repairers, recyclers and authorities see different data on a need-to-know basis.
- The exact fields are set per product group in its delegated act, so most are expected, not yet final.
How a Digital Product Passport works
A DPP is reached through a data carrier on the product, packaging or documentation, such as a QR code, GS1 DataMatrix, RFID tag or NFC chip, linked to a unique product identifier. The data model is decentralised, so there is no single EU mega-database; data stays with economic operators and their solution providers.
The Commission must set up a central DPP registry before 19 July 2026, holding at least the list of data carriers and unique identifiers so passports can be located and used, including by customs.
What data a DPP carries
The precise fields are set per product group in its delegated act, but the categories of information a DPP is expected to carry are consistent across groups.
- Product identification, such as a GTIN with model, batch or serial number.
- Manufacturer and economic-operator details.
- Material composition.
- Substances of concern.
- Durability and reparability information.
- Carbon and environmental footprint indicators.
- End-of-life and recycling information.
Three levels of identifier
Unique identifiers operate at three levels, which together let a passport be located and connected to its operator and place of manufacture.
| Identifier level | What it identifies |
|---|---|
| Unique product identifier | The product, model, batch or item |
| Unique operator identifier | The economic operator behind the product |
| Unique facility identifier | The facility where the product was made |
Differentiated access and standards
Not all DPP data is public. A differentiated, need-to-know access model defines which users, such as consumers, repairers, recyclers and authorities, can see which datasets, protecting commercially sensitive information.
The horizontal DPP standards are being built by CEN-CENELEC JTC 24 (the EN 18000-series), with final publication expected in 2026. Treat designations and dates as provisional while the standards are finalised.
FAQ
Common questions
- What data does a Digital Product Passport carry?
- A DPP carries product identification, manufacturer and operator details, material composition, substances of concern, durability and reparability information, carbon and environmental footprint indicators, and end-of-life and recycling information. The exact fields are set per product group in its delegated act.
- How is a Digital Product Passport accessed?
- Through a data carrier on the product, packaging or documentation, such as a QR code, GS1 DataMatrix, RFID tag or NFC chip, linked to a unique product identifier. Different users see different data on a differentiated, need-to-know basis.
- Is there a single EU database for DPP data?
- No. The DPP uses a decentralised data model, so data stays with economic operators and their solution providers. The Commission must set up a central registry before 19 July 2026 holding the list of data carriers and unique identifiers so passports can be located.
- Are the DPP data fields final yet?
- Not for most products. The categories of data are clear, but the exact fields are set per product group in its delegated act, and the horizontal DPP standards (CEN-CENELEC JTC 24, EN 18000-series) are expected to be finalised in 2026. Treat the detail as provisional until then.
Put it into practice
Work through the DPP Readiness Checklist, then explore the product groups and tools built for your situation.
This is guidance, not legal advice
Sources
- [1]Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 (ESPR), full text (EUR-Lex)retrieved 8 Jun 2026
- [2]EUR-Lex: official summary of the ESPRretrieved 8 Jun 2026
- [3]European Commission: 2025-2030 ESPR Working Planretrieved 8 Jun 2026
- [4]European Commission: Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodretrieved 8 Jun 2026
- [5]JRC: Digital Product Passport data-requirements methodology (JRC145830)retrieved 8 Jun 2026
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