The EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will require every consumer goods brand selling into Europe to attach a Digital Product Passport to their products — a structured digital record accessible via QR code containing lifecycle, sustainability, and compliance data.
For most brands, this is the most significant product compliance obligation in a generation. But the timeline is complex, the data requirements vary by category, and the infrastructure needed to comply isn't something you can build in a sprint.
This guide cuts through the noise. It covers what the regulation actually requires, which product categories are affected and when, and the practical steps brands need to take now to be ready.
What's inside
The regulation explained — what ESPR is, how it relates to existing regulations like the Battery Regulation, and what "Digital Product Passport" actually means in practice.
Who it applies to — manufacturers, importers, distributors, and non-EU brands selling into the EU market. If you sell physical products in Europe, this applies to you.
Accurate timeline by category — a clear breakdown of confirmed deadlines vs. indicative working plan dates, including the Battery Passport (Feb 2027), textiles (~2027 delegated act, 2028–2029 compliance), furniture (~2028), electronics (~2028–2030), and categories with confirmed DPP mandates outside ESPR like detergents and toys.
What data a DPP must contain — materials composition, repairability, end-of-life instructions, compliance certifications, carbon footprint, and unique product identifiers.
5 preparation steps — from auditing your product data and assigning unique identifiers, to building the hosting infrastructure and engaging your supply chain partners.
Why brands are starting now
The data collection process — materials from suppliers, certifications, lifecycle data — takes far longer than the technical implementation. Brands that wait for their delegated act before starting will not finish on time.
The guide includes a readiness checklist so you can assess where your biggest gaps are today.