Getting started with Digital Product Passports
For many small business owners, manufacturers, and retailers across Europe, the Digital Product Passport might sound complex or overwhelming at first. But it doesn’t have to be.
This guide will walk you through the essential first steps to understand and start preparing for DPP requirements—even if you're a complete beginner.
Your first steps
What is a Digital Product Passport?
Understand what a DPP actually is, in plain English. What information it contains, and how it supports the circular economy.
Who needs a DPP and why?
Find out which businesses and product types are affected—and why it’s becoming mandatory in the EU.
Why it matters: Benefits of using a DPP
Discover how DPPs can improve transparency, build customer trust, and streamline compliance.
Understand the legal aspects and regulation
Understand the legal context and upcoming EU regulations
Learn which EU laws are driving the DPP rollout, what deadlines apply, and what’s expected in each industry.
Identify whether your products fall under DPP requirements
Not all products need a DPP immediately. Understand how to check if yours will—based on material, type, or category (e.g., electronics, textiles, batteries).
Learn what data you'll need to collect and how
Explore the types of information a DPP typically requires (materials, repairs, origin, sustainability metrics), and how to start gathering it.
Decide who will manage the DPP in your organization
Small businesses may need to assign someone (even if it's the owner) to handle DPP creation, updates, and compliance.
Evaluate your current tools or workflows
Assess whether your current product data management (PDM), ERP, or e-commerce setup can support DPP generation—or if you need new tools.
Start with a basic DPP prototype
Even without official submission, you can test creating a simplified version of a DPP for one of your products.
Frequently asked questions
What is a digital product passport?
A digital product passport (DPP) is a digital record that contains essential information about a product’s materials, components, origin, repairability, recycling, and environmental impact. It helps promote transparency and supports sustainability throughout a product's lifecycle.
Why are digital product passports important?
Digital product passports empower consumers, businesses, and regulators with detailed product information. They encourage responsible consumption, help with recycling and repair, and support the circular economy. They are also becoming mandatory under new EU regulations.
Who needs to create a digital product passport?
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors who sell certain categories of products in the EU (such as electronics, textiles, or batteries) will be required to provide a DPP for each product. Eventually, the obligation will expand to more industries.
What kind of information goes into a digital product passport?
A DPP typically includes details about materials and substances, environmental footprint, repair and recycling instructions, compliance certificates, manufacturer identity, and supply chain data. The exact fields depend on the product category and EU requirements.
How do I start creating a digital product passport?
You can start by organizing your product data—such as materials, origin, certifications, and sustainability info. Then, use a DPP builder or software that allows you to structure this data according to EU standards and export it in a compliant format.
Is a digital product passport mandatory?
Yes, for certain products. Under the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), DPPs are becoming mandatory starting with priority sectors. Over time, more product categories will be included, so it’s important to prepare early.
How will customers access the digital product passport?
Customers can access DPPs through QR codes, NFC chips, or web links printed on the product, its packaging, or tags. Scanning the code will open the DPP on a digital device, showing verified product information.
What’s the difference between a digital product passport and a product label?
A product label is static and limited in space, typically showing basic information. A digital product passport is dynamic, comprehensive, and stored online, allowing it to hold much more detailed, structured data that can be updated over time.
Can small businesses comply with DPP regulations?
Yes, but they may need support. Using a DPP builder tool can simplify the process. While compliance may seem complex, many tools and templates are becoming available to help SMEs generate and manage DPPs easily.
What are the benefits for my business?
Implementing DPPs can build customer trust, support green marketing claims, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve supply chain transparency. It also helps you stand out in a competitive, sustainability-conscious market.
Where can I learn more about DPP regulations?
You can read more on the official EU websites, particularly about the ESPR. You can also follow platforms like [DPPBuilder.com] that simplify the creation of compliant DPPs and provide learning resources tailored for your industry.
