The new EU regulations for the Digital Product Passport (DPP) were published as part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), finalized on June 28, 2024. Here are the key details:
1. Scope and Purpose: The DPP is a digital record providing comprehensive information about a product and its entire value chain, including origin, materials used, environmental impact, and disposal recommendations. It aims to enhance transparency and support sustainability by closing the information gap for consumers, investors, and other stakeholders.
2. Mandatory Implementation: From 2024, the DPP will gradually become mandatory for various product categories, with full implementation expected between 2026 and 2030. This will apply to all products sold in the EU, including those produced outside the union. Priority will be given to products with high environmental impacts, such as textiles, furniture, chemicals, batteries, and electronics.
3. Information Requirements: The DPP must include details such as:
– Unique product identifier and global trade identification number.
– Compliance documentation (e.g., declaration of conformity, technical documentation).
– Information on substances of concern, user manuals, and end-of-life disposal instructions.
– Details on the product’s lifecycle environmental impacts, repair activities, and recycling capabilities.
4. Ban on Destruction of Unsold Goods: The ESPR introduces a ban on the destruction of unsold clothing and footwear, set to apply two years after the regulation enters into force. This may be extended to other product categories in the future.
5. Green Public Procurement: The regulation promotes sustainable procurement practices by enabling mandatory criteria for EU public authorities, which can significantly boost demand for sustainable products.
6. Implementation Timeline: The ESPR will enter into force on July 18, 2024, with a working plan for product-specific regulations to be developed within nine months. The regulation also mandates that companies disclose annual information about unsold products and their disposal.
These measures are part of the EU’s broader strategy to promote circularity, reduce environmental impacts, and ensure products are more durable, repairable, and sustainable.