What Data Will Your Company Need for the Digital Product Passport?

The Digital Product Passport is still evolving, but the direction is already clear.
ESPR will force manufacturers, distributors, and importers to provide structured, machine-readable data for every product entering the EU market.

The exact requirements will differ by product category and will be formalised in delegated acts, yet we already know the core fields that will (or are very likely to) appear.

Here is what companies should prepare for:

• Unique Product Identifier (UID)
A permanent, distinct identifier traceable across the entire lifecycle.

• TARIC and commodity codes
Correct classification becomes essential because the passport integrates directly with customs and trade systems.

• Global trade identification numbers
Following ISO/IEC or equivalent standards for each product or component.

• User manuals and safety information
Structured instructions, warnings, and usage guidelines (not PDFs thrown on a website).

• Compliance documentation
Declarations of conformity, technical documentation, testing results, certificates.

• Recycling and disposal instructions
Clear guidance for treatment facilities on disassembly, recycling and safe disposal.

• Manufacturer, operator and importer information
Transparent data on every stakeholder in the supply chain.

• End-of-life management data
Rules for returns, recycling, and responsible disposal.

• Consumer guidance
Installation, use, maintenance, repair — information that ensures longevity and reduces environmental impact.

• Substances of concern
Details on regulated or monitored substances used in the product.

• Any other relevant data
Everything that affects how retailers, repair services or waste operators interact with the product.

Even without final delegated acts, the message is obvious:
If your product information lives in PDFs, emails or scattered Excel sheets, you won’t be able to produce a compliant DPP.

The groundwork starts now: collect the data, structure it, and make it machine-readable.

If you want to understand what DPP means for your industry and how to prepare without overbuilding, reach out.