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As consumers, brands, and regulators push for clearer product information and control over which products enter and are transacted in the EU market, Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are the tool of choice to enable this shift, introduced as a mandatory requirement by European law first, followed by Chinese, Turkish, South Korea and further expected market adoption.
According to the European Commission, the Digital Product Passport is designed to fundamentally transform how product information is created, shared, and used across the Single Market, benefiting businesses, consumers, and regulators alike.
This guide brings together what you need to know about Digital Product Passports, from what they are to why they matter and how they will transform fashion transparency in the years ahead.
What Is a Digital Product Passport (DPP)?
The European Commission defines a Digital Product Passport as a digital container of product-specific information that acts as a digital identity for a product.
This digital identity enables traceability and transparency throughout the product’s entire value chain - from manufacturing to use, reuse, and end of life.
A DPP includes mandatory and voluntary information, such as:
- Product composition and materials
- Manufacturing processes and origin
- Carbon footprint and environmental data
- Certificates of conformity and legal compliance
- Instructions for use, repair, reuse, and disposal
All of this information is accessed through a data carrier, typically a QR code or similar, connected to digital systems such as registries and web portals.
Why the EU Is Introducing the Digital Product Passport
Digital Product Passports are a response to structural challenges in the Single Market.
The EU Commission highlights that DPPs are meant to:
- Improve access to reliable product information
- Increase trust for consumers
- Simplify compliance for businesses
- Strengthen market surveillance for authorities
- Enable new circular and data-driven business models
In short, DPPs aim to support a more transparent, sustainable, and circular economy across the full product lifecycle, including fashion.
DPP Legal Framework: ESPR and EU Legislation
The core legal basis for Digital Product Passports is the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
Under ESPR:
- DPPs are introduced through product-specific delegated acts
- Requirements differ by product group (e.g. textiles, furniture, tyres, ICT)
- The same DPP logic is referenced across multiple sectoral regulations, including batteries, packaging, construction products, toys, and detergents
This approach allows the EU to tailor DPP requirements while ensuring consistency across industries.
How the Digital Product Passport Works in EU
According to the Commission’s framework, DPPs rely on three core elements:
1. Data Carriers
Physical products carry a QR code or similar identifier that links directly to their digital passport.
2. Technical Systems
DPPs are supported by:
- A central DPP registry acting as the main repository
- A DPP web portal enabling access for different stakeholders
Access rights vary depending on the user - consumers, manufacturers, regulators, recyclers, and repair services all interact with the DPP differently
3. Product-Group Specific Data
The data included in a DPP is defined through secondary legislation and varies by product group, such as textiles, detergents, or toys.
The DPP Technical Framework and Standards
To make DPPs interoperable and scalable, the EU is developing harmonised standards across eight technical areas, including:
- Unique identifiers and data carriers
- Data storage, exchange, and archiving
- Access rights management
- Data authentication and integrity
- APIs for lifecycle management
These standards are being developed by CEN-CENELEC, with completion expected by early 2026.
DPP Implementation Timeline: Key Milestones
The EU Commission’s timeline shows a gradual, structured rollout of Digital Product Passports.
2025–2026: Building the Framework
- Secondary legislation adopted by mid-2026
- Standards development and adoption
- Public consultations and stakeholder engagement
- Preparation of the DPP registry and web portal
July 2026: System Goes Live
- Official launch of the DPP registry
- Testing activities with industry stakeholders
2027: First Mandatory DPPs
- Large batteries become the first product category with mandatory DPPs (February 2027)
- Other priority products follow from the end of 2027 onwards
How Much Does a Digital Product Passport Cost?
The cost of implementing a Digital Product Passport depends primarily on project complexity and scale, rather than a fixed per-product price. Key cost drivers include the number of SKUs covered, the level of data granularity, the depth of supply chain traceability, and the degree of integration with existing systems such as ERP, PLM, or e-commerce platforms.
In practice, entry-level DPP solutions for small brands typically start under €10,000 per year, while mid-sized companies can expect investments between €15,000 and €70,000 annually for more advanced traceability and compliance features. Large enterprises with complex global supply chains may require custom solutions, with costs scaling accordingly based on integration, automation, and ongoing data management needs.
Digital Product Passport for Fashion and Textiles
Textiles and apparel are listed among the priority product groups in the ESPR Work Programme.
This means:
- Product-specific rules for textiles are expected between 2026 and 2027
- Digital Product Passports for fashion will become mandatory shortly after
- The requirements will apply to all products placed on the EU market, regardless of where they are manufactured
For fashion brands, this makes DPP readiness a strategic priority, not just a regulatory checkbox.
What the Digital Product Passport Means for Fashion Brands
From the EU perspective, DPPs are designed to simplify compliance while increasing transparency.
For brands, this translates into:
- Stronger data collection across supply chains
- Clearer documentation of materials and processes
- More credible sustainability claims backed by verified data
At the same time, DPPs open the door to better internal decision-making and new circular business models.
Find out if your organization is aligned to Digital Product Passport compliance by downloading our whitepaper now.
What the Digital Product Passport Means for Consumers
For consumers, Digital Product Passports are about access and trust.
You will be able to:
- Understand what a garment is made of
- Verify sustainability and compliance claims
- Learn how to care for, repair, and eventually recycle products
Transparency becomes embedded in the product itself, enabling “culture of products”.
Consumers may expect new experiences and a new communication channel, especially from luxury brands and products, strengthening the connection with their purchases.
Supporting Businesses in Implementing DPP
The Commission explicitly states that simplicity and cost-effectiveness for SMEs are key design principles of the DPP system.
Planned support includes:
- Technical guidance documentation
- Open-source tools to create and validate DPPs
- Ongoing stakeholder engagement
This signals a collaborative approach rather than a punitive one.
From Regulation to Opportunity: the Future of Digital Product Passports
Digital Product Passports are being introduced through regulation, but their impact goes far beyond compliance. They create the infrastructure for a more transparent, circular, and data-driven fashion industry.
At Renoon, we see DPPs as a powerful lever to align sustainability commitments with verified information, empowering brands to lead responsibly and consumers to choose confidently.
Explore Renoon’s insights on Digital Product Passports and transparency by getting in touch with us here.
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