Digital Product Passport: what businesses need to know in 2026.
The EU Digital Product Passport is moving from framework to implementation. The Registry is operational, sector rules are progressing, and the first concrete passport deadline arrives for covered batteries on 18 February 2027.
What is a Digital Product Passport?
Under ESPR, a DPP is product-specific data made electronically accessible through a data carrier. Product-specific rules determine the required fields, carrier, product level, access rights and availability period.
Who needs to prepare?
DPP obligations can apply to economic operators placing covered products on the EU market, including imported products. Manufacturers, importers, distributors and other actors can have different responsibilities depending on the applicable legislation.
Core architecture
1. Identify
Use a persistent unique product identifier at the level required by the applicable measure.
2. Connect
Use the required data carrier to connect the physical product to its digital record.
3. Structure
Keep passport data interoperable, machine-readable and transferable without vendor lock-in.
Where implementation stands now
The EU DPP Registry has been operational since 20 July 2026. The Commission roadmap also shows further standards and sector work during 2026–2027. Other product groups follow product-specific timelines rather than one universal DPP deadline.