What is a Digital Product Passport and how do you handle the DPP?
The EU is making product information transparent. Discover what the Digital Product Passport entails, when it will become mandatory for your sector—and how you can get started today.
A Digital Product Passport (DPP)— in Dutch also called the digital product passportcalled — is a digital file that keeps track of all relevant information about a product throughout its entire life cycle. From raw material extraction to waste processing: everything is recorded in a single, accessible digital file.
The DPP is not a voluntary initiative. It is a legal obligation resulting from the European Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation(ESPR), which came into effect in 2024. The goal: to make products more sustainable, accelerate the circular economy, and provide consumers and authorities with honest, verifiable information.
In short:The Digital Product Passport is a product’s “identity card” — digital, scannable via QR code or NFC, and accessible to consumers, businesses, customs, and recyclers.
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Digital identity
Unique product passport with GTIN, serial number, brand and model — always traceable.
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Full life cycle
From raw materials to recycling: all data on origin, materials and impact in one place.
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Scan via QR / NFC
Accessible with any smartphone, directly on the product or packaging.
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EU-compliant
Compliant with ESPR, CSRD and the delegated acts by product category.
What information does a Digital Product Passport contain?
The exact content varies by product category, but the EU has established a basic set of data fields. A complete DPP typically contains the following components:
| Categories | Examples of data |
| Product identification | Name, Brand, Model, GTIN, Serial Number, Batch Number |
| Origin & materials | Production country, production location, complete material composition |
| Environment-impact | CO₂ footprint, energy consumption, raw material consumption, % recycled material |
| Repairability | Repair score, maintenance instructions, spare parts availability |
| Recycling & end of life | Recycling instructions, disassembly steps, processing guidelines |
| Sustainability claims | Certified claims (no greenwashing), quality marks, verification links |
All this information is stored in a standardized digital format, based on open standards, and is accessible via a unique QR code or NFC chip on the product or packaging.
Why is the Digital Product Passport so important?
The European Union has ambitious climate and circular economy goals. By 2050, Europe must be climate neutral. This can only be achieved if products last longer, are easier to repair, and are recycled more efficiently. The DPP is the tool to make this possible.
For consumers
Consumers will have access to reliable, verifiable information about product sustainability. No more marketing hype, but hard facts. This empowers them to make truly sustainable choices and protects them from misleading green claims (greenwashing).
For companies
Companies that invest early in DPP compliance gain a competitive advantage. They comply with the law, avoid costly fines, strengthen their brand image, and respond to the growing demand for transparent products. Moreover, DPP data directly aligns with CSRD reporting requirements—preventing duplication of effort.
For authorities and customs
Enforcement agencies can use the DPP to quickly and efficiently verify whether products comply with EU standards. This creates a fairer market and protects legitimate businesses from unfair competition from rogue importers.
Did you know?Greenwashing will be punishable under the EU Green Claims Directive. Without a verifiable DPP, you’ll soon no longer be able to substantiate sustainability claims—and you risk severe sanctions.
When will the DPP become mandatory? The timeline per sector
The ESPR is introducing the DPP requirement in phases, per product group. Below is the expected timeline based on the published and announced delegated acts:
2024
ESPR comes into effect
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation comes into force. The legal framework has been established. Companies have time to prepare for the delegated acts per product group.
2025 – 2026
Elaboration per product category
The European Commission, in collaboration with industry and stakeholders, is developing specific requirements for each product group. Delegated acts are being published. This is the time to gather data, establish processes, and define a DPP strategy.
2027
First mandatory product groups ✔
Batteries & accumulatorsare the first category to be fully DPP-compliant. This includes industrial batteries, EV batteries, and portable batteries. The Battery Regulation partially anticipates the broader ESPR implementation. Companies in the battery market must have their DPP infrastructure operational by early 2027.
2028
Broad implementation – multiple sectors mandatory
In 2028, the DPP will become mandatory for the following product groups:
- Textiles & clothing— including fast fashion, sportswear and workwear
- Electronics & ICT — smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables
- Furniture & interior— including mattresses and wooden furniture
- Building materials— steel, cement, plastics for construction
- Chemicals— specific categories of hazardous and critical substances
2029 and beyond
Further expansion to all product sectors
The ESPR applies to virtually all physical products placed on the EU market. After 2028, additional product groups will follow, including cosmetics, food-related packaging, and automotive parts. It is expected that almost every sector will eventually be subject to a DPP requirement.
⏰ Don’t wait until the deadline.Experience shows that companies need an average of 12 to 18 months to fully map and structure their product data. If you start now, you won’t face any surprises in 2027.
How does Droppery handle the Digital Product Passport?
Droppery is Europe’s automated dropshipping solution, specializing in connecting suppliers and brands with the right customers. As a platform that manages hundreds of products for brands and sellers daily, we understand better than anyone how complex—and how urgent—the DPP transition is.
That’s exactly why Droppery digitalproductpass.nl has developed: an easy-to-use platform that enables companies of all sizes to easily create, manage and share EU-compliant Digital Product Passports.
Our philosophy: compliance should not be complex
Many companies shy away from the DPP requirement, believing it’s a costly, technical, and time-consuming project. Droppery proves otherwise. Our platform automates the heavy lifting: data import, validation, QR code generation, and distribution. All you have to do is provide your product information—we’ll take care of the rest.
Integration with your existing processes
Droppery’s DPP tool integrates seamlessly with existing ERP systems, e-commerce platforms, and supply chain software. Existing product data—such as material specifications, supplier information, and environmental certifications—is instantly converted into a standardized DPP format that meets ESPR requirements.
CSRD and DPP: synergy in reporting
Companies that already report under theCorporate Sustainability Reporting Directive(CSRD) users will recognize that much of the required data overlaps. Droppery’s platform is designed so that data only needs to be entered once and can then be used for both CSRD reporting and DPP generation.
Getting started via digitalproductpass.nl — this is how it works
On digitalproductpass.nl you can create a free account today and generate your first Digital Product Passport. The platform is available entirely in Dutch and guides you step-by-step through the process.
Create a free account
Go to digitalproductpass.nl and register your business. All you need is an email address to get started. No credit card is required for the free plan.
Add your products
Import your products using our structured form, a CSV upload, or an API integration with your existing systems. Our platform automatically recognizes which fields are required for your product category.
Enter the sustainability data
Enter material composition, CO₂ data, repair information, and recycling instructions. Our smart form provides real-time feedback if information is missing or if the data doesn’t meet ESPR standards.
Generate your DPP and download the QR code
With a single click, the platform generates a fully EU-compliant Digital Product Passport. You receive a unique QR code and NFC tag that you place on the product or packaging. Consumers and authorities can scan the passport directly.
Manage, update and scale up
Product data changes? Easily update the DPP via the dashboard. All linked QR codes automatically link to the most up-to-date information. Scale to hundreds or thousands of products without any additional effort.
🆓 Start for free:The basic plan at digitalproductpass.nl is completely free and includes DPP generation, QR codes, and NFC support. Paid plans offer API access, bulk import, and team features. View all plans and the price calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Product Passport
Does the DPP also apply to small businesses and SMEs?
Yes. The ESPR does not make exceptions based on company size. Every company placing regulated products on the EU market—whether a multinational or an SME—must comply with the DPP requirements. However, there is a phased implementation per product category, giving companies time to prepare.
What if I import my products from countries outside the EU?
As an importer, you are responsible for providing a valid DPP for products you place on the EU market. You must request the necessary data from your suppliers. Droppery’s platform helps you with standardized questionnaires that you can easily send to your suppliers.
Is the DPP the same as a QR code on my product?
No. The QR code (or NFC chip) is only the access key to the DPP. The passport itself is the rich data set behind that code—stored in a standardized database and accessible to all parties in the chain.
How does the DPP relate to the CSRD?
The CSRD requires larger companies to report on sustainability at the company level. The DPP works at the product level. They complement each other: product data from the DPP can be used directly for CSRD reporting, preventing duplication of effort. Droppery’s platform was designed with this synergy in mind.
What are the consequences if I am not compliant in time?
Products without a valid DPP may no longer be placed or sold on the EU market after the applicable deadline. Customs and market surveillance authorities can stop products and impose fines. The amount of the fines is determined by Member State, but they are expected to be significant—similar to sanctions under the GDPR.
Can I use digitalproductpass.nl if I only have one product?
Absolutely. The free plan is perfect for businesses just starting out. You can enter one product, generate your first DPP, and experience it right away—without any vesting.
Start your Digital Product Passport today
Legislation isn’t waiting. Companies that prepare now will avoid stress, risks, and costs later. Create a free account at digitalproductpass.nl and generate your first EU-compliant DPP in less than 30 minutes.