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In Force

ESPR & Digital Product Passports

EU 2024/1781

The ESPR is the EU's flagship regulation establishing the legal framework for Digital Product Passports. It replaces the 2009 Ecodesign Directive, expanding scope from energy-related products to nearly all physical products placed on the EU market. T...

Overview

The ESPR is the EU's flagship regulation establishing the legal framework for Digital Product Passports. It replaces the 2009 Ecodesign Directive, expanding scope from energy-related products to nearly all physical products placed on the EU market. The regulation mandates DPPs through product-specific delegated acts. The first working plan (April 2025) prioritises textiles, furniture, tyres, mattresses, iron and steel, and aluminium, and the first ESPR passport dates are expected from 2028. Battery passports come separately, under the Battery Regulation, from 18 February 2027.

Key Requirements

The ESPR introduces several requirements that directly impact how businesses manage product data and Digital Product Passports.

  • Digital Product Passport mandatory for regulated product categories
  • Unique product identifier via GS1 Digital Link or equivalent
  • Machine-readable data accessible via QR code or data carrier
  • Different access levels for consumers, authorities, and businesses
  • Product environmental footprint declarations
  • Recycled content and recyclability information
  • Substances of concern disclosure
  • Ban on destroying unsold apparel and footwear (Article 25)

Implementation Timeline

Key dates and milestones for the ESPR.

  • July 2024

    ESPR Enters into Force

    Regulation 2024/1781 published in Official Journal and enters into force.

  • April 2025

    First Working Plan

    The Commission names its first priority groups: textiles, furniture, tyres, mattresses, iron and steel, and aluminium.

  • July 2026

    Registry and Destruction Ban

    The EU DPP registry opens, and large companies may no longer destroy unsold apparel and footwear.

  • February 2027

    Battery Passports Mandatory

    Battery passports become mandatory under the separate Battery Regulation, not ESPR.

  • 2028 onwards (estimate)

    First ESPR Passports

    Each product group's passport duty applies once its delegated act does, normally at least 18 months after adoption.

Affected Sectors

These product sectors are impacted by the ESPR. Each has specific DPP requirements and deadlines.

Aluminium Batteries Chemicals Construction Products Cosmetics Electronics Footwear Furniture Iron & Steel Machinery & Equipment Packaging Paints & Coatings Plastics Renewable Energy Equipment Textiles Toys Tyres

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the ESPR take effect?

The ESPR entered into force on 18 July 2024. Passport duties apply product group by product group through delegated acts, normally at least 18 months after each act, so the first ESPR dates are expected from 2028. Battery passports, from 18 February 2027, come from the separate Battery Regulation.

Which products need a DPP under ESPR?

Only product groups covered by a delegated act need a DPP. Nearly all physical products are in scope except food, feed, medicinal products, living organisms and vehicles, and requirements are introduced sector by sector.

Does the ESPR apply to non-EU businesses?

Yes. Any product placed on the EU single market must comply, regardless of where it was manufactured. Importers and authorised representatives share responsibility.

What is Article 25 of the ESPR?

Article 25 bans destroying unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear: for large companies from 19 July 2026 and for medium-sized companies from 19 July 2030. Article 24 requires companies to disclose how many unsold products they discard.

Related Articles

ESPR Overview

Regulation

EU 2024/1781

Status

In Force

Key date

Set per product group

Affected Sectors

17

Other Regulations

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